Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne

You just may not know it yet, but this is very important to your well-being in midlife. This isn’t an idea, it’s actually a fact...

We have not one, but two brains. There’s the brain in our head of course, but there’s also the brain in our gut, and the two are very closely connected via the longest nerve in our body, the vagus nerve. The Gut Brain Connection is not only important to our physical health, but it’s also massively connected to our emotional health. So, on today’s episode of the Life after Kids Podcast, we're talking about our gut health, the gut and brain connection, and how what we feel in midlife can be related to more than just our emotions and our brain. We have so much to say about this. It's actually a huge topic, because the health of our gut impacts our mood and overall well-being. An unhappy gut makes for an unhappy person.

**Key Takeaways:**

1. The gut and brain are closely connected through the vagus nerve, and the health of the gut can impact our mood and overall well-being.

2. Friendly bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, play a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that affect our mood.

3. Eating a variety of plant foods, consuming prebiotic fiber, and incorporating fermented foods into the diet can improve gut health.

4. Factors like excessive sugar consumption, alcohol, and antibiotics can harm the gut and disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria.

5. Managing stress and emotional well-being is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and overall health.

If you are gassy, bloated (especially after meals and at the end of the day), constipated, having diarrhea, or dealing with heart burn, it’s probably time to work on the health of your gut. Follow the tips above for help, and be sure to manage stress and emotional well-being. Listen to today’s episode of The Life after Kids Podcast to learn more about prioritizing gut health and the steps needed to improve digestion for overall health and longevity in midlife.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 | Introduction to the topic of gut health and the gut-brain connection
0:01:07 | The gut and brain are connected by the vagus nerve
0:03:00 | The importance of friendly bacteria in the gut
0:04:47 | The role of friendly bacteria in mood and neurotransmitter production
0:07:09 | Ways to rebuild and support a healthy gut microbiome
0:09:30 | The impact of stress, antibiotics, and sanitization on gut health
0:11:39 | The potential for a die-off reaction when improving gut health
0:14:04 | The connection between gut health and mental health
0:16:06 | The importance of good digestion for overall health
0:19:11 | The potential for food sensitivities to improve with gut healing
0:23:48 | Considerations for individuals with conditions like Crohn's disease
0:25:11 | Closing remarks and call to action

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne
PS... Don't forget to follow us!
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code AFTERKIDS to get UP TO $300 off! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year
warranty—an $84 value, free!

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Receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Go to AquaTru.com and enter code AFTERKIDS at checkout.

*Aquatru comes with a 30 day money back guarantee

We’re breaking down our unique Find Your Purpose Quiz so you’ll have a better understanding of your results and what to do with them We meticulously break down the possible outcomes of the quiz, and we provide actionable advice on how you can leverage this newfound knowledge to pursue meaningful and fulfilling endeavors that align with your natural abilities and goals. Peppered with personal anecdotes and expert tips, this episode will encourage you to reimagine your identity and potential in life's next chapter.
Key Takeaways:

• The Life after Kids Find Your Purpose Quiz is an instrumental tool for gaining self-awareness and understanding your unique strengths.
• Four main personas can describe a person's innate characteristics: Diligent Doers, Magnificent Motivators, Remarkable Relators, and Awesome Analyzers.
• Recognizing your category can help direct you toward endeavors that bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment.
• It's important to adopt goals and pursue activities that resonate with your personal talents and inclinations.
• Collaboration is powerful, and knowing your strengths can complement others in partnerships and team dynamics.

Delve with us into the transformative journey that awaits women after the pivotal phase of full-time mothering, helping to uncover one's true calling and purpose. Discover where you fit within the four personality types and how to navigate life after kids with renewed purpose and enthusiasm. And stay tuned for future episodes as we promise to continue covering poignant and transformative topics for moms of older kids!
Resources:
Take the Life after Kids Find Your Purpose Quiz, designed for moms like you to gain greater self-awareness while helping to understand your inherent strengths and talents.
TimestampSummary
0:00:28 | Importance of self-awareness and using the quiz
0:02:02 | The benefits of knowing your strengths and weaknesses
0:03:07 | The importance of partnerships and collaborations
0:04:33 | Saving time and energy with self-awareness
0:05:07 | Tips for taking the quiz and being authentic
0:05:58 | Introduction to the first area of the quiz: "My Home"
0:06:33 | Description of the "Diligent Doers" personality type
0:07:29 | Dr. Brooke's experience as a diligent doer
0:08:59 | Challenges of being a diligent doer and finding balance
0:10:07 | Conclusion and summary of the first area of the quiz
0:10:07 | The importance of setting deadlines and prioritizing tasks.
0:10:41 | Self-awareness and finding the right deadlines.
0:13:14 | The characteristics of magnificent motivators and the importance of finding outlets for their talents.
0:17:04 | The importance of utilizing talents and strengths for personal fulfillment.
0:18:12 | Dr. Lynne shares her personal experience of understanding her work style and finding balance on vacation.
0:20:55 | Importance of self-awareness for standing out

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne
PS... Don't forget to follow us!
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code AFTERKIDS to get UP TO $300 off! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year
warranty—an $84 value, free!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Go to AquaTru.com and enter code AFTERKIDS at checkout.

*Aquatru comes with a 30 day money back guarantee

If you're considering a move now or sometime in the future, you’ll want to listen to this week’s episode of Life after Kids, because moving houses is the topic of discussion. Even if you aren’t moving anytime soon, still listen to the episode as we also discuss cleaning out your house and going through old storage bins of photos, artwork, and memories.

Key Takeaways:

• The emotional and physical toll of moving is significant, comparable to other major life stressors like divorce or job loss.
• Downsizing can be a cathartic experience, offering the opportunity to purge unnecessary belongings and hold onto meaningful items.
• Establishing a new social network and familiarizing oneself with local services and regulations is crucial for a smooth transition.
• Moving provides a unique chance for personal growth and reimagining one's living space and lifestyle.
• Involving family members in the moving process can create bonding experiences and help everyone adjust to the change.

Hear all about the excitement and stress of moving, including Dr. Brooke's personal anecdotes about downsizing and purging unnecessary items. Learn about the practical aspects of moving, such as establishing new social networks, understanding local regulations, and making the new house feel like home. Key advice includes a strategic approach to packing, involving children in the process, and focusing on self-care to manage stress. We also explore the emotional facets of leaving a long-term home and the potential benefits of a fresh start in a new location.

Dive into this heartfelt and informative episode to glean practical advice and emotional support, whether you're about to move or simply considering the possibility. And, stay tuned for more insightful content from Life After Kids!

RESOURCES:
Book: The Summer Place
Stainless Steel Laundry Folding Table
Timestamp Summary
| 0:00 | Navigating the Challenges and Excitement of Moving
| 2:27 | Downsizing Sentimental Items During a Move
| 10:06 | Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of Moving to a New Town
| 13:47 | Embracing Change and Moving to New Homes
| 19:49 | Emotional Farewell to a Family Home
| 23:05 | The Emotional Journey of Moving and Finding Closure
| 27:43 | Navigating the Emotional and Practical Challenges of Moving

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne
PS... Don't forget to follow us!
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code AFTERKIDS to get UP TO $300 off! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year
warranty—an $84 value, free!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Go to AquaTru.com and enter code AFTERKIDS at checkout.

*Aquatru comes with a 30 day money back guarantee

Kiya Tomlin is a visionary designer and apparel manufacturer known for blending comfort with style. She is the creative mind behind the Kiya Tomlin brand, offering a range from ready-to-wear to bespoke couture designs. Inspired by the active lifestyle she leads as the wife of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and as a mother, Kiya introduced her signature Impossible Dress in 2014, renowned for its ease and elegance. With her work rooted in her Pittsburgh-based factory, her collection is available online and in select boutiques across the country. Kiya also holds an NFL license, extending her fashion aesthetic to fans of the sport. Beyond her business endeavors, she's dedicated to philanthropy, contributing actively to multiple boards over the years.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne chat with Kiya Tomlin, renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur. The conversation captures Kiya's journey from a passionate seamstress to a celebrated designer recognized for her innovation in women's ready-to-wear fashion. Kiya shares her inspiring story of how her love for sewing since childhood evolved into a successful business founded on creating versatile, comfortable, and stylish clothing. Amidst juggling her responsibilities as a mother and supportive wife, she discovered an unmet need for women’s apparel, leading to the creation of her signature piece, the Impossible Dress, which combines runway glamour with the comfort of a sweatshirt.

Central to the discussion is the theme of "Invisible Woman Syndrome," which many women experience as they transition through midlife. Kiya emphasizes the importance of feeling seen and valued, sharing insights on how fashion can empower women by improving confidence and self-expression. She discusses the gap in the market for midlife women who seek clothing that is youthful yet appropriate, echoing concerns over limited media representation of aging women. Through her brand, Kiya aspires to champion diversity and inclusivity. Supporting the community, advocating lifelong learning, and embracing leadership roles are explored as key strategies for women to reclaim relevance and purpose during life after kids.

Key Takeaways:

• Invisible Woman Syndrome: Kiya draws attention to the feeling of invisibility many women face as they age and how this can be counteracted.
• Passion to Purpose: Follow what you love to do; it can naturally guide you to opportunities that fill market needs.
• Confidence through Comfort: When you dress comfortably, you feel confident, and that confidence is the essence of beauty.
• Embrace Lifelong Learning: Continuing to seek growth, whether through career or hobbies, is vital for self-evolution and maintaining relevance.
• Media Representation: Kiya advocates for diverse representation of women of all ages in media to challenge stereotypes and empower aging women.

Resources:

• Kiya Tomlin Website: kiyatomlin.us
• Kiya Tomlin on Instagram: @KiyaTomlin
• Kiya Tomlin on Facebook: @KiyaTomlin
• Promotion Code: life20 for 20% off your purchase

Timestamp Summary 0:00 Kia Tomlin's Journey From Fashion Passion to NFL License 4:11 Kia Tomlin's Journey from Custom Designer to Fashion Entrepreneur 8:38 Finding Passion and Purpose Through Creative Self-Care 10:58 Kia Tomlin's Journey to Building a Flexible Business 15:20 Empowering Women Through Custom and Ready-to-Wear Fashion 16:31 Overcoming the Invisible Woman Syndrome Through Fashion and Confidence 23:45 Challenging Ageism in Fashion and Media Representation 26:07 Embracing Aging and Fashion for Confidence and Role Modeling 30:00 Designing Fashion for Diverse Body Types and Market Gaps 35:38 Quizzes for Moms and Body Types on Kia's Website 37:01 Empowering Women to Reclaim Visibility and Purpose 39:58 Embracing Life After Kids Through Activities and Community Engagement 43:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing New Challenges 45:08 Kia Tomlin's Journey of Growth, Fashion, and Adventure 49:29 Parenting Older Kids with Trust and Expectations 52:36 Fashion Tips and Discounts from Kia Tomlin

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code AFTERKIDS to get UP TO $300 off! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year
warranty—an $84 value, free!

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If you’ve ever been in a situation where you wanted to create change for yourself, like losing weight or starting an exercise routine, but you just couldn’t bridge the gap or stick to it, you have to listen to today’s episode of Life after Kids. In this episode, we’re discussing the key thing needed to create lasting change in midlife, and that’s our identity, or how we see ourself. And, we provide examples of how our self-perception can affect our ability to achieve our goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Our behaviors and circumstances must align with our identity for lasting change to occur.
• Self-perception and identity can impact our ability to achieve goals.
• Awareness of our identities and intentional action are key to changing our identity.
• To create change, first identify how you see yourself now. Then identify who you want to become

Remember that in order to create lasting change, our actions and identity must align. This is also a powerful piece to true happiness. Our identity even plays a role in how we age. Choose to see yourself as youthful, vibrant, energetic, strong, and capable! Make this your identity! Learn more by listening to this week’s full episode of Life after Kids.

And if you want an even deeper dive, check out The Life after Kid Purpose Courses-

Understand Yourself and Your Strengths to Find More Purpose

Discover What You Do Best For More Meaning and Purpose

Timestamp Summary
| [0:00:00] | Introduction to the topic of identity and circumstances
| [0:00:23] | Importance of aligning behaviors with identity for sustainable change
| [0:02:36] | Example of weight loss and identity alignment
| [0:04:40] | Starting point: Identify current self and desired self
| [0:06:11] | Identities influenced by role models and upbringing
| [0:07:34] | Discussion on aging and identity
| [0:08:51] | Insights from women in their 70s on aging
| [0:09:18] | Conclusion and wrap-up of the discussion
| 0:09:17 | Age and identity
| 0:11:01 | Importance of knowing who you are
| 0:12:46 | Shaping identities for children
| 0:14:23 | Importance of self-affirmation
| 0:15:38 | Changing identity through intentional action
| 0:16:21 | Developing habits to change identity
| 0:17:34 | Importance of self-affirmation
| 0:18:05 | The power of words and cognitive dissonance
| 0:18:05 | Dr. Brooke talks about the importance of positive affirmations.
| 0:18:25 | Dr. Lynn discusses cognitive dissonance and the brain's desire to prove oneself right.

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne

PS... Don't forget to follow us!
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code AFTERKIDS to get UP TO $300 off! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year
warranty—an $84 value, free!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Go to AquaTru.com and enter code AFTERKIDS at checkout.

*Aquatru comes with a 30 day money back guarantee