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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

Stephanie McLaughlin

1 Creator

1 Creator

Sometime around age 40 (+/-) you might start feeling like some part of your life no longer fits and you don't know what to do about it. It could be at work or at home - or simply inside of you. You might be asking questions like, "How did I get here?" Or, "Is this all there is?" "Is this what I've been working so hard for?" Or, "Why aren't I happier?" Growing out of her own experience turning 40, Stephanie McLaughlin became captivated by the big “four oh,” and how people handle the milestone birthday. On The Big Four Oh Podcast, Stephanie has conversations with people about their life experience around turning 40. This birthday often comes wrapped in larger life changes, whether it’s a newfound search for meaning, accepting your mortality, or shedding all those things you did because some external authority said you “should.” Her mission is to make it common cultural knowledge that there IS a transition most of us face around age 40, and then showcase so many versions of that transition that every single person approaching, or recently turned, 40 with dread in their heart, knows that they are not alone. I know you don't want to call it a midlife crisis, so I won't, but "if the glove fits, you must acquit." 😉
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Top 10 The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Overcoming Being a People Pleaser

Turning 40 and Overcoming Being a People Pleaser

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

play

03/14/23 • 45 min

In this deeply inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Martin Salama, who navigated through immense personal and professional challenges to redefine his life's purpose. From the tragic loss of his younger brother in childhood to facing a devastating financial crisis and a painful divorce, Martin's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. Join us as Martin shares how he went from being a worrier to becoming a warrior, embracing his true calling as a life coach and helping others live their best lives.

Turning 40 and Overcoming Being a People Pleaser

Episode Highlights:

Martin recounts the heart-wrenching loss of his younger brother in a tragic accident and how it shaped his early life and family dynamics.

He discusses his struggles with people-pleasing, which stemmed from his childhood experiences and how it affected his personal and professional life.

Martin opens up about the financial collapse he faced during the 2008 crisis, leading to the loss of his business and personal assets.

The turning point in Martin's life came with his divorce, which, despite being painful, led him to a path of self-discovery and eventually to becoming a life coach.

He shares insights from his coaching philosophy, including the concept of moving from being self-conscious to self-aware and his development of the "Warrior's Life Code."

Martin's personal transformation and how he found love again, marrying a woman who accepts and loves him for who he truly is.

This episode is a powerful exploration of how personal tragedies and challenges can lead to profound life transformations. Martin Salama's story is not just about overcoming adversity but about using his experiences to fuel a journey towards helping others. His insights into personal development, combined with practical tools like his "Worrier to Warrior" card deck, offer valuable resources for anyone looking to make significant changes in their life.

If Martin's story inspired you, remember to rate, follow, and review the podcast to help us share more transformative stories like this one.

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Get Martin’s card deck, coloring book and other resources: ConnectWithMartin.com

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Realizing Mental and Physical Health Are Inseparable

Turning 40 and Realizing Mental and Physical Health Are Inseparable

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

play

03/07/23 • 53 min

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Marc Paisant, a former college athlete who shares his transformative journey through the challenges of adulthood, weight gain, and mental health struggles. Marc opens up about his path to rediscovering his health, both mental and physical, and how he learned to prioritize self-care and redefine what “normal” means for him.

Turning 40 and Realizing Mental and Physical Health Are Inseparable

Episode Highlights:

Life After College: Marc discusses the initial struggles of adapting to adult responsibilities and how his life seemed to follow the American dream, yet something was still missing.

Struggle with Weight: He shares his battle with significant weight gain post-college and the moment of realization that led him to take control of his health.

Turning to Therapy: Marc emphasizes the importance of therapy in his life and how it helped him navigate through his darkest times.

The Power of Running: How adopting a running routine not only transformed his physical health but also saved his life by drastically improving his mental well-being.

Work-Life Balance: Marc talks about the pivotal moment that reshaped his perspective on work-life balance, highlighting the importance of being present for his family.

Today’s episode with Marc Paisant is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of self-care. Marc’s story is not just about personal triumph over physical and mental health challenges, but also about redefining success and happiness in midlife. His journey underscores the critical message that taking care of oneself is essential to taking care of everything else in life.

If Marc’s story resonated with you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review The 40 Drinks Podcast to hear more inspiring stories like this one.

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Additional Resources

The Relatively Normal Podcast on Facebook

The Relatively Normal Podcast on Instagram

The Relatively Normal Podcast on Apple

Coach Paisant on Instagram

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Making a Career Change: Shannon Russell's Journey into the Unknown
play

02/21/23 • 48 min

In this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned entrepreneur and career coach. Shannon shares her riveting journey from the bustling sets of MTV to opening a successful Snapology franchise and eventually creating a platform to guide others through their career transitions with her initiative, Second Act Success. Dive into Shannon's story as she navigates the challenges of balancing a high-profile media career with family life, and how a pivotal moment led her to reshape her professional landscape and help others do the same.

Turning 40 and Making a Career Change: Shannon Russell's Journey into the Unknown

Episode Highlights:

  • Shannon's exciting career journey from MTV producer to entrepreneur and the challenges of balancing a demanding career in TV production with family responsibilities.
  • The transition from media to launching her own franchise, Snapology, and how it aligned with her skills and passions.
  • The inception of Second Act Success and how Shannon uses her experience to coach others in their career transitions.
  • The role of coaches and mentors in navigating career changes and personal growth.
  • Shannon's approach to her coaching program, helping individuals find their "why" and navigate new career paths.

In this episode, Shannon exemplifies how embracing change and listening to one's inner call can lead to fulfilling second acts. Her story is not just about career transformation but also about finding purpose and joy in helping others navigate their paths. Whether you're contemplating a career shift or looking to inspire your entrepreneurial spirit, Shannon's insights provide valuable guidance and motivation. Remember to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast if you enjoyed this episode and found Shannon's journey inspiring!

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Additional Resources

Second Act Success website

Second Act Success on Facebook

Second Act Success on Instagram

Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”

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Spotify

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Mastering the Chaos: A Conversation with Corinne Morahan of Grid + Glam
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02/14/23 • 51 min

Today, Stephanie sits down with Corinne Morahan, the founder of Grid and Glam. Corinne shares her transformative journey through midlife, detailing how she shifted from a high-paced finance career in New York to finding true fulfillment through decluttering and organizing. Corinne's story is not just about changing careers; it's about rediscovering joy, making tough decisions about personal relationships, and learning to live intentionally.

Highlights of the Episode:

  • Corinne's Career Transition: From Wall Street to a career in organizing, Corinne discusses how she made the leap and why.
  • The Power of Decluttering: How decluttering her home led to a business idea that transformed her life and the lives of many women.
  • Relationship Dynamics: Corinne opens up about maintaining a loving and fun relationship with her husband through intentional efforts.
  • Motherhood Realities: Corinne shares candid insights on the challenges and intense responsibilities of being a mother.
  • Personal Growth: Lessons learned and promises made as Corinne approached her 40th birthday, including the importance of saying no and staying present.

This episode dives deep into the life changes and decisions that come with midlife. Corinne Morahan's story is a powerful testament to the idea that it's never too late to pivot towards what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Her journey from the fast-paced financial sector to creating a successful organizing business shows the transformative power of aligning one’s career with personal values and passions. Listeners will come away with practical insights on decluttering both their spaces and lives, and the importance of intentional living.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Corinne’s to you!

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Additional Resources

Grid + Glam Website

Grid +Glam on Facebook

Grid + Glam on Instagram

Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”

Listen, Rate & Subscribe

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Spotify

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Finding Your Voice

Turning 40 and Finding Your Voice

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

play

12/07/22 • 43 min

In this deeply moving episode, Stephanie sits down with Wize Otero, a man whose journey through immense personal tragedy and unexpected reunions has led him to discover his true purpose. From losing his beloved wife in his early thirties to reconnecting with his estranged father and siblings only to lose his dad soon after, Wize's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery through life's most challenging moments.

Highlights of the Episode:

Wize shares the heart-wrenching loss of his wife, Denise, and how it set him on a path of self-development.

The surprising and emotional reunion with his father and siblings after decades of separation.

Wize's battle with grief and how therapy helped him find stability and start anew.

His transition from security work to becoming a casino dealer and the personal growth that followed.

The launch of his podcast, "Stuck in My Mind," during the pandemic, which became a platform for sharing stories of overcoming obstacles.

The profound impact of connecting with others who have similar life experiences and how it fuels his passion for helping others.

Today's episode with Wize is not just a story about overcoming adversity; it's a blueprint for transforming personal pain into purpose. His journey from grief to becoming a voice of motivation and hope is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to find your path and impact the world positively. Wize's story is particularly inspiring for anyone facing their own set of challenges, proving that with the right mindset and support, turning life around is indeed possible.

If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Wize's to you!

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Stuck in My Mind Podcast

Wize on Instagram

Wize on Facebook

Steph’s appearance on Stuck in My Mind Podcast

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and the Powerful Magic of Personal Development

Turning 40 and the Powerful Magic of Personal Development

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

play

11/23/22 • 45 min

Today, Stephanie sits down with Angie Simmons, a woman who transformed her life from feeling stuck and hopeless to thriving and empowering others. Angie shares her journey through personal loss, being stuck, financial struggles, and ultimately, self-discovery that led her to a fulfilling career and a happier, healthier life. Her story is a testament to the power of personal development and the courage to make significant changes during midlife.

Episode Highlights:

  • Angie recounts the tragic loss of her brother and how it spiraled her into depression and self-blame, which she masked with alcohol and a demanding job.
  • The chance meeting with an old friend that turned her on to personal development and how that changed the trajectory of her life.
  • The pivotal moment when Angie decided to quit her stable job to focus on her dog grooming business after an ultimatum from her boss, driven by a newfound perspective from a personal development CD.
  • The creation of her unique, structured journal inspired by her late mother, designed to help others maintain daily accountability and personal growth.
  • Angie's advice on the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and learning to say "no" to protect one's mental health and well-being.

Angie Simmons illustrates the transformative power of self-belief and the importance of personal development in overcoming life's challenges. Her journey from despair to success is not only motivational but also a practical guide for anyone looking to make significant life changes.

If Angie's story inspired you, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast to hear more about how midlife can be a time of transformation and new beginnings.

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communication

Angie on Facebook

Angie on Instagram

Growth Development Foundation

The “How am I Feeling Today?” Journal

Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Overcoming Disordered Eating and Exercise to Find Joyful Movement and Food Freedom
play

10/25/22 • 45 min

In this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Kim, a former nurse turned fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, who shares her transformative journey through the tumultuous decade of her 30s into her 40s. Kim opens up about her struggles with body image, identity, and finding a new path in life after leaving her nursing career to become a stay-at-home mom. Her story is a powerful testament to the challenges and revelations that come with significant life changes during midlife.

Episode Highlights:

  • Kim’s transition from a nursing career to embracing motherhood and eventually finding her passion in fitness.
  • The evolution of her fitness hobby into an unhealthy obsession, and how personal challenges, including a divorce, shaped her journey.
  • Kim’s experience with disordered eating and how she embraced intuitive eating and a healthier relationship with food.
  • The birth of her fourth child, Gage, who has Down syndrome, and how he became a catalyst for Kim to unlearn societal pressures and accept herself.
  • Kim’s development of a successful fitness philosophy centered around joyful movement, helping women disconnect from toxic fitness culture and embrace their bodies.

Today, Kim not only shares her personal struggles and victories but also delves into how she reshaped her professional life to support others in finding joy and health at any size. Her story is a compelling reminder of the power of self-acceptance and the importance of tuning into our bodies' needs without succumbing to societal pressures.

If you found inspiration in Kim’s story, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast to help us share more stories like hers.

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Additional Resources

The Joyful Movement Podcast

Radiant Vitality Website

Facebook

Instagram

Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Season 1 Recap – Season 2 Preview

Season 1 Recap – Season 2 Preview

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

play

10/11/22 • 24 min

Season 1 Recap – Season 2 Preview

Stephanie looks back and distills the lessons from the conversations she had with guests in Season 1 and then looks forward to what’s coming up in Season 2.

SponsorThe Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Healing from Chronic Illness - Is it Lyme Disease or is it Nanoparticles?
play

09/08/22 • 51 min

Today, Stephanie sits down with Fiona Thorson, a resilient woman who has navigated a complex health journey through her thirties and into her forties. Fiona shares her transition from relying on traditional medical treatments to exploring alternative health solutions that ultimately transformed her life. Her story is not just about battling chronic illness, but about the profound personal growth and understanding that emerged from her struggles.

Episode Highlights:

  • Early Health Challenges: Fiona discusses her initial symptoms and the discovery of her hypothyroidism, which marked the beginning of her health challenges.
  • Journey Through Misdiagnosis: She details the years spent dealing with misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, including her struggles with Lyme disease and the impact of heavy metals and electromagnetic frequencies on her health.
  • Turning to Alternative Medicine: Fiona shares her experiences with alternative treatments like Kundalini yoga, naturopathy, and innovative homemade devices that helped her manage her symptoms.
  • Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship: Fiona talks about how her health challenges led her to start a blog and a business, focusing on health and wellness, and how these endeavors have been part of her healing process.

Today’s episode with Fiona is a deep dive into the world of chronic illness and the exploration of unconventional paths to health. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and being open to alternative approaches to health. Fiona’s journey is not only about overcoming physical ailments but also about embracing a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

If you found inspiration in Fiona’s story, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more compelling stories to light.

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Find Fiona Online

Fiona on Instagram: https://www.instagam.com/fionaforhealth

Fiona’s website: www.fionaforhealth.com

Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”

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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and Rewiring the Mind

Turning 40 and Rewiring the Mind

The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

play

02/18/25 • 56 min

In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marcy Langlois, who shares her extraordinary story of resilience and recovery. Born with a cleft lip and palate requiring multiple surgeries, Marcy grew up in a chaotic household and struggled with addiction following a life-altering car accident. Her story explores the impact of trauma on physical health, including her struggles with mast cell activation syndrome and chronic infections. Marcy explains how she transformed her life through neuroplasticity and nervous system work, ultimately achieving a state of health and vitality. Her journey highlights the intertwining of mental, emotional, and physical healing and the continuous effort required to maintain wellness.

Guest Bio

Marcy Langlois is a trauma survivor and chronic illness warrior, 20+ years into her sobriety journey. She shares tips and tools accumulated from a lifetime of work to help others live beyond their limits through her coaching practice, social media posts and some freebies on her website. Online classes are coming soon!

Turning 40 and Rewiring the Mind

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Marcy Langlois to explore her story of survival, transformation, and healing. After a childhood marked by medical challenges, family instability, and a battle with addiction, she found sobriety—only to face a new and terrifying crisis in her mid-40s when her body began to shut down. Diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome and histamine intolerance, Marcy was bedridden for 40 days, grappling with allergic reactions to everything in her environment—including her own thoughts. But through deep inner work, rewiring her brain, and healing her nervous system, she emerged healthier and stronger than ever.

Episode Highlights:

  • A childhood shaped by medical challenges – Born with a cleft lip and palate, Marcy endured 20 surgeries between birth and age 18, and a difficult upbringing in a home affected by addiction and instability.
  • The impact of unprocessed trauma – How childhood survival mechanisms carried into adulthood, leading to addiction and self-destructive patterns.
  • The breaking point – At 45, Marcy’s body rebelled, leaving her unable to function and suffering from life-threatening reactions to food, stress, and even her own thoughts.
  • Rewiring the brain for healing – Marcy shares how she used neuroplasticity and what she calls the "cancel method" to retrain her mind and shift her body's response to stress.
  • The power of nervous system regulation – Understanding the difference between fight-flight-freeze and rest-digest-heal, and how true healing can’t happen until the body feels safe.
  • Energy and frequency in healing – Why raising the body's energetic vibration was a crucial final step in Marcy’s recovery.
  • Life after transformation – How Marcy is now thriving, free of chronic illness, and living with vitality and purpose.

Marcy’s story is a testament to the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit. Her journey from a lifetime of trauma and illness to vibrant health is inspiring proof that healing is possible, even when all seems lost. Tune in to hear how she transformed her life—and take away powerful lessons on the mind-body connection.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners on their own journeys of transformation!

Guest Resources

Connect with Marcy on Facebook

Connect with Marcy on Instagram

Connect with Marcy on TikTok

Check out Marcy’s free consultation scheduling link

Do you have the Midlife Ick?

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

Connect with Steph

TheBigFourOh.com

TBFO on Instagram

TBFO on Facebook

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