89. Wake Up Maggie: A Coming of Middle Age Story with Katie Prentiss

01/16/25 • 27 min

Midlife Rise + Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

What if midlife isn’t an end but a bold new beginning?

In today’s episode, Sara welcomes Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work reflects her passion for connection and creativity. After losing her mother to dementia, Katie found herself drawn to acting and storytelling, culminating in her upcoming feature film, Wake Up Maggie. She’s also a portrait photographer and an acting coach who inspires others to take risks and follow their passions.

Katie’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue our passions or redefine our paths. Whether you’re navigating caregiving, seeking a creative outlet, or contemplating a midlife career pivot, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable insights.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Katie transitioned from caregiving and photography to acting and filmmaking.
The inspiration behind her feature film, Wake Up Maggie, and its focus on caregiving and midlife transformation.
The concept of "coming of middle age" and why midlife is a powerful time for reinvention.
How grief and loss can spark creativity and courage.
The importance of embracing acceptance and letting go of what we can’t control.
Tips for stepping into a new field or creative pursuit, no matter your age.
Why trying new things can lead to alignment and fulfillment.
Katie’s insights on balancing exploration and mastery in life and work.
The role of play, hobbies, and joy in living a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Connect with Katie Prentiss:
Website: KatiePrentiss.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieprentiss/
Wake Up Maggie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupmaggiemovie/
Follow her film: WakeUpMaggieMovie.com

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/

Send us a text

What if midlife isn’t an end but a bold new beginning?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Katie transitioned from caregiving and photography to acting and filmmaking.
The inspiration behind her feature film, Wake Up Maggie, and its focus on caregiving and midlife transformation.
The concept of "coming of middle age" and why midlife is a powerful time for reinvention.
How grief and loss can spark creativity and courage.
The importance of embracing acceptance and letting go of what we can’t control.
Tips for stepping into a new field or creative pursuit, no matter your age.
Why trying new things can lead to alignment and fulfillment.
Katie’s insights on balancing exploration and mastery in life and work.
The role of play, hobbies, and joy in living a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/

Previous Episode

88. On the Brink of Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Purpose and Thrive Again

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Have you ever felt like you were on the brink of burnout? In this episode, Sara reads the chapter she wrote in the collaborative book We Lead: Building Connection, Community, and Collaboration for Women in Business. The chapter, titled On the Brink of Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Purpose and Thrive Again, explores the struggles of balancing career, family, and personal well-being—especially during times of crisis like the pandemic.

Through her reflection of this time in her life, this episode offers a heartfelt reminder of the importance of stepping away, prioritizing self-care, and rediscovering purpose. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or on the verge of burnout, this episode is for you.

Attending wellness retreats changed Sara’s life, and now she is offering her own to change yours. Join Sara for the ultimate rejuvenating experience at our retreat in Cambutal, Panama. Your days will be filled with sunrise meditations, yoga, listening to the sounds of the Pacific, walks along the ocean in laughter with friends, and moments for reflection and relaxation. Returning home with a newfound clarity in the woman you are called to be, and a deeper connection to your body, your mind, and your soul. Learn more here: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

In this episode:

The personal journey from burnout to renewal.
Practical strategies for identifying and addressing burnout.
The importance of wellness retreats and transformative travel (Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/)
How consistent self-care practices can transform your personal and professional life.
Tools for reconnecting with your values and finding joy amidst challenges.

Have a question or want to share your own experiences with burnout and renewal? Reach out and join the conversation. Your insights and reflections are always welcome!

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/

Next Episode

90. Unwinding Perfect: Choosing Yourself with Christine Clyne-Spraker

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What if the perfect life you've been striving for is the very thing holding you back?

Christine Clyne-Spraker, author of Unwinding Perfect and former co-CEO of a best-in-class healthcare technology company, Eon, joins the podcast today to talk about her book, Unwinding Perfect.

Christine shares her journey from being a serial people-pleaser to choosing herself, leaving a high-powered career, and embracing imperfection. Her story is a reminder that true joy and contentment come from within, not from external validation or societal expectations. Through reflection, spiritual growth, and hard decisions, Christine discovered the importance of letting go of control, overcoming fear, and redefining success.

If you're ready to stop living for others and step into the life you truly desire, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

Christine's journey to unwinding perfection and embracing imperfection.
The impact of childhood dynamics on identity and self-worth.
Breaking free from societal expectations and learning to choose yourself.
Tools for personal growth, including EFT tapping, meditation, and reframing negative self-talk.
The dangers of void fillers, such as overworking, and how to recognize them.
How shadow work and embracing our "ugly" sides can lead to self-acceptance and healing.
Navigating midlife changes with grace and embracing transformation.
The importance of detaching from outcomes and finding peace in the present moment.
Christine’s insights on raising resilient children while modeling healthy behavior.
Her process of writing Unwinding Perfect and the lessons she shares in her book.

Connect with Christine:

Website: https://www.unwindingperfect.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_clyne_spraker/
Unwinding Perfect: One Woman’s Story of Reclamation: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1L56VBH?ref_=pe_93986420_774942710

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae

Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/

Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/