Confessions of a Freebird Podcast

Confessions of a Freebird

Laurie James
I'm the author of “Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go”, a relationship coach and somatic healer. I love empowering women in midlife and beyond who are looking for more happiness, joy, freedom, and purpose.   If you are ready to find more authenticity within so you can reclaim the life that you left behind somewhere between diaper changes and kids graduating from school, tune in!  Have you ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?”  What’s life like as an empty nester? What's after divorce? How do I grieve the loss of a spouse who passed away? How do I date later in life? How do I navigate being part of the sandwich generation? What is longevity and how do I take better care of myself as I age? How do I heal my trauma? How do I simply find more happiness and joy in my daily life? Then this podcast is for you! I'm a mother of four adult daughters, a divorcée, and recovering caregiver. My podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, is your midlife best friend. On this podcast, I'll offer actionable steps, coaching tips, soulful thoughts, and experts that will help you with all things midlife and beyond. We will talk about sex, dating, divorce, loss, grief, midlife reinvention and empowerment, finances and so much more. I also share my confessions and successes that have helped me redesign my life so you can skip the suffering I experienced and make the most of your second or third act, one confession at a time. Let's make your next chapter the best yet!Connect with me:www.laurieejames.com Get my book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, https://www.laurieejames.com/book IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.james/ Ready to work with me? Let’s chat! https://lauriejames.as.me/schedule.php 
The Sandwich Generation: The Realities And Tips On How To Survive
Have you ever found yourself sandwiched between raising your children while juggling the responsibilities of caring for your aging parents? It can be overwhelming, emotionally draining, and physically taxing. I know firsthand because I cared for my aging parents for over 14 years. In this podcast, I open up about my personal journey as a member of the sandwich generation and share proactive things you can do to ease some of the financial and emotional pressure.In this episode:I share with you the initial feelings of overwhelm and the weight of responsibility that comes with caring for my elderly parents and children simultaneously. I delve into the financial realities of being part of the sandwich generation.I share practical tips that I’ve learned from being part of the sandwich generation, including:The importance of honest communicationInsights into long-term care insuranceHow to ask for support from othersWhere to find community resourcesReview your parents' expensesHow to check eligibility for government services.Being in the sandwich generation can be challenging and not everything needs to be addressed at the same time. But when you stay proactive and take on bite-sized chunks, it makes balancing raising kids' while caring for my aging parents just a little bit easier.So if you need support managing the sandwich generation, hit the play button, and let’s dive in so you can find a little more freedom in your life!Resources from this podcast:- U.S. Dept of Health Services- Looking to hire a caregiver? Consider https://www.care.com/- Eldercare Directory- Legal Zoom - Nolo WillmakerClick here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!***************************************************************************************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.
Jul 27, 2023
15 min
Debunking Therapy Myths with Tina Hartney
Have you ever wondered what therapy is really like? Or maybe you've heard some misconceptions about it that have made you hesitant to try it.Well, get ready because in this weeks episode, I sit down with the incredible licensed marriage and family therapist and dear friend, Tina Hartney and we dig into these topics and more.Tina and I are going to:Share our personal experiences with therapy and debunk those common misconceptions that might be holding you back.Discuss different therapeutic modalities like emotional-focused therapy and EMDR.Talk about why it's so important to incorporate somatic and experiential therapy alongside talk therapy or when talk therapy no longer works.Discuss the difference between individual and couple therapy and how it can impact the relationship and each individual.Why we should take the shame out of going to therapy.And wait until the end when Tina shares a very personal confession about the power of reclaiming her own vulnerability. So hit the play button and join me for an empowering conversation that will deepen your understanding of therapy and open your mind to new possibilities.   It’s a journey worth taking so you can find more freedom within.Click here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd love it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!About Tina:Tina Hartney is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She works with adults and specializes in couples therapy and trauma.  Tina’s advanced training includes Bioenergetics Analysis which combines somatic and relational work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gestalt, and EMDR.  Tina’s office is in Hermosa Beach, California and she offers in-person and virtual therapy.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree Click here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!***************************************************************************************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.
Jul 20, 2023
27 min
Stop Over-Apologizing and Increase Your Confidence
Have you ever found yourself uttering the words 'I'm sorry' more than necessary?In this podcast episode, Laurie makes a confession about being a recovering over-apologizer. She also delves into the habit of over-apologizing which many women, including herself, often fall victim to. She share's how this trend can be traced back generations,  is also linked to societal conditioning, and how it came to my realization in a therapy session.Laurie offers solutions to those who over-apologize so you can break free from overusing the words, 'I'm sorry' through awareness, using alternative phrases, and practice which can lead to more assertive and confident communication styles.She also introduces a Gmail plug-in or extension called 'Just Not Sorry', that helps detect undermining language in your emails.  Click here to check it out. Pop those earbuds in and listen up so you can stop being an over-apologizer and start developing a more confident communication style within your personal relationships and at work.Click here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!***************************************************************************************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.
Jul 13, 2023
10 min
Unlock Your Spirituality and Intuition with Julie Reisler
Have you ever wondered how intuition and spirituality can help you create a more joyful, purpose-driven life?If so, join Laurie this week as she chats with Julie Riesler, a master life and wellness coach, interior designer for the soul, and founder of the Life Designer Coach Academy.In this episode, we discuss:How Julie's inspiring journey from a 9 to 5 job as a single mom to becoming a mentor to hundreds of coaches, changemakers, and entrepreneurs was driven by her intuition and spiritual practice.Why it's important to start listening to the little whispers and nudges your intuition is giving you before they become metaphorical 2x4s that hit you upside the head. How using the power of spirituality and intuition can help you embrace your highest essence and the importance of self-love.Discover how a shift in perspective can lead to a miracle, enabling you to reclaim your identity and open up to new possibilities.Learn the 4 different ways you can connect to your intuition. And take the assessment on Julie's website: https://juliereisler.comLastly, learn how to recognize if it's fear speaking to you or your intuition. And don't forget to listen to Julie's confession at the end!! It's a good one for anyone who has or is struggling with their relationship with food!!About Julie Reisler:Julie Reisler, a board-certified master life & wellness coach, is an interior designer for your soul. She's a mentor to hundreds of coaches, change-makers, and soulful entrepreneurs. Julie is the host of The You-est You® podcast, a global show in over 175 countries, and the author of Get a PhD in YOU, an Amazon top-pick. Julie has been featured in Forbes, MindBodyGreen, The Chopra Center, Bustle, and Thrive Global for her work as a coach, teacher, and conscious business leader. Julie is a multi-time TEDx speaker and has spoken on stages throughout North America. She is also a popular course creator on Insight Timer, the number-one ranked mindfulness app.Julie holds a master's degree in Health & Wellness Coaching from the Maryland University of Integrative Health and is a professor at Georgetown University in their coaching program. Julie is the founder of the Life Designer® Coach Academy, a leading-edge certification program where she certifies spiritual life coaches worldwide. To learn more about Julie, go to juliereisler.com.Julie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieReislerLifeDesigner/Julie's Instagram: httClick here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!***************************************************************************************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.
Jul 6, 2023
38 min
From Loneliness to Belonging: My Personal Journey
If you've ever felt a sense of loneliness or struggled to find a sense of belonging in your life, listen in!Struggling with loneliness and searching for belonging has shaped my life, and in this heartfelt episode, I open up about my journey to finding belonging and happiness. From a difficult childhood that included abuse on many levels to the shocking financial betrayal in my marriage, it wasn't until I turned to therapy and alternative healing modalities that I began to make sense of my past and heal. Listen as I share my road map to belonging and offer tips on how you can create more belonging in your life too.  We'll discuss and  explore: The importance of belonging to yourself first - identifying areas of unhappiness and envisioning the changes you'd like to make.  What I've learned from saying "yes" to everything, including the consequences of not listening to my intuition. Ways to find more belonging.Why a variety of relationships matter. Tips for finding and nurturing a social circle to call your own and maintaining a growth mindset to stay curious and open to new experiences. And I share my thoughts on the power of kindness – towards yourself and others – as a crucial ingredient for finding happiness and freedom.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to create the life you deserve.Click here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!***************************************************************************************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.
Jun 29, 2023
24 min
Conjure More Confidence With Karen Laos
Do you ever find yourself struggling with self-doubt and lacking confidence, especially when it comes to voicing your opinions? This episode features communication expert and confidence cultivator Karen Laos, who's on a mission to help 10 million women overcome these barriers. Join us as we uncover the origins of self-doubt, often stemming from childhood, and discuss how focusing on one big goal can change our lives for the better.Karen also shares:The most common message of self-doubt.The Broadway musical technique, which helps build confidence, and the fear script, both of which have the potential to transform your personal and professional life. Learn about the most common behavioral traits among women, such as speaking slowly or with low volume, and how confidence can be portable across various aspects of our lives.We also explore the power of owning your opinions and making confident decisions. Karen recounts an experience when she broke free from her conditioning and began inserting her opinion first.Lastly, listen to the end to hear the hilarious story of curiosity and transformation, and be inspired to break free from the prison of self-doubt.About Karen Laos:Karen is a Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leveraging 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.Receive Free - 9 Words to Avoid and What to Say Instead https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/Karen's website:  https://karenlaos.com/Karen's email: [email protected]'s book: Trust Your Own Voice https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Your-Own-Voice-Communication-ebook/dp/B0B2KNN9PKKaren's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenLaosConsulting/ Karen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial/ Karen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/ Karen'sTwitter: https://twitter.com/Karen_Laos Karen's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videosClick here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!***************************************************************************************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.
Jun 29, 2023
38 min
Welcome to Confessions of a Freebird: The Story Behind the Name
As a mother, divorcée, and recovering caregiver, I've experienced the challenges and joys of navigating midlife. My book Sandwiched documented my struggles of raising four daughters, caring for my elderly parents, and watching my marriage crumble in front of me. Writing was one of many healing modalities and it lead me to become a life and relationship coach. Now I love helping women in midlife develop a stronger sense of self so they suffer less and find more freedom, love, and joy in their lives I created Confessions of a Freebird  to explore everything from divorce to empty nesting, and all life's messy moments in between. I will offer you ways to heal your past and how to make the most of your second or third act so you can live your best life. Together, we'll embark on this journey towards personal growth because every relationship begins with us. PLEASE don't forget to subscribe and follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter for updates on future episodes and offerings. Also share this with others who are ready to spread their wings so we can become freebirds together!Click here to receive 8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom.Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Laurie's website https://www.laurieejames.com/Laurie's email: [email protected] on Instagram @laurie.jamesLaurie on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a 5 Star Rating and tell me what you like about this show in a review - your feedback really matters and helps others find me!***************************************************************************************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.
Jun 9, 2023
5 min