Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50 - hercomebackpodcast.com

Guest: Suzanne Doyle-Ingram, Book Publisher & Author Coach

From Self-Doubt to Confidence - Episode Overview:

In this powerful and honest conversation, Michelle welcomes Suzanne Doyle-Ingram, an experienced book publisher who has helped over 1,000 people around the world bring their books to life. Suzanne shares her personal journey from self-doubt and fear to confidence, clarity, and purpose—proving that transformation doesn’t require perfection, just courage and action.

What We Talk About:

• Suzanne’s early fear of failure and why she published her first book under a fake name
• How confidence is built through action, not before it
• Turning a financial crisis into a bestselling opportunity
• Why your natural gifts often feel “easy” to you—but are life-changing for others
• Using evidence (thank-you notes, wins, reminders) to silence self-doubt
• Navigating divorce, independence, and the belief: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me”
• What it really takes to support yourself financially as a woman in midlife
• Why Suzanne doesn’t consider herself a “writer”—and why that shouldn’t stop you
• The importance of simplicity, structure, and clear intention when writing a book
• The truth about AI: why it should NOT write or edit your book or replace your authentic voice; what it can be used for
• The myth of the “easy button” and why meaningful success requires doing the work

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence grows when you help others and collect proof of your impact
• You don’t need to love writing to write a meaningful book
• Over-complicating is often what keeps women stuck—simplicity creates momentum
• Your message already lives inside you; organization brings it out
• There is no shortcut to purpose—but there is a clear path forward

This episode is especially empowering for women in midlife who are questioning their confidence, redefining success, or feeling called to share their story in a bigger way.

Why This Episode Matters:

If you’re a woman in midlife who feels called to reinvent your life, write a book, or step into your purpose, this episode will remind you that everything you need is already within you. Suzanne’s story proves that transformation is possible at any stage of life—and your comeback can start today.

Connect & Learn More: Suzanne Doyle-Ingram is a seasoned publisher and mentor who helps entrepreneurs and professionals write strategic books that support their mission and business

https://prominencepublishing.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannedoyleingram/

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Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50 - hercomebackpodcast.com

Season 2, Episode 1

Guest: Cheryl Dillon

Founder of Funderful Experiences & Connected Hearts Community

Summary

In this powerful season premiere, host Michelle Thompson welcomes Cheryl Dillon, who transformed her life in her 50s by deliberately designing her next chapter instead of waiting for change to happen. Cheryl shares honest, vulnerable insights about making the shift from "doing the right things" to "doing YOUR thing"—and why midlife is the perfect time to start.

🔑 Key Takeaways

The Wake-Up Call Cheryl's pivotal realization: "If I want my life to be different, now's the time to do it, because if not now, then when?" She stopped waiting for life to feel different and started designing it herself—using the self-awareness and emotional intelligence that come with age.

Breaking Free from External Validation For decades, you've been the "good girl, good wife, good daughter." Cheryl asks: "Whose beliefs were those? Whose expectations were those?" You deserve to do things YOU love and be happy. This isn't selfish; it's essential.

The Pattern-Breaking Principle "If you keep doing what you're doing, you're gonna keep getting what you're getting." Cheryl saw patterns in older relatives she didn't want to repeat and made bold moves to change course. What patterns are you unconsciously following?

Connection Over Therapy Many midlife women crave deep conversations but don't need clinical help—they need authentic community. What's missing: emotional safety, vulnerability without judgment, and conversations beyond surface-level topics.

The Resilience Secret Be your own best friend. During transitions, practice self-trust, self-love, and self-care. Treat yourself the way you expect others to treat you. When you do this, you'll attract people and situations that mirror that care back. Resilience comes from within.

Identity Loss Is Real Whether you're an empty nester, divorcing, widowed, retiring, or looking in the mirror wondering "what happened?"—these transitions are like "little deaths" requiring grief. But after grief comes opportunity to design what's next.

From Complacency to Action Post-pandemic, Cheryl lost motivation—preferring sweatpants at home. She pushed through by getting certified in event planning and launching her business. Sometimes you need new skills to build your new life. Connection and transformation require bold moves and conscious decisions.

Overcoming Past Hurts Cheryl admits she was "scared of groups of women" due to competition, gossip, and exclusion. But she intentionally built the supportive community she always wanted. You can create something different now.

Connect with Cheryl

The Uplift Newsletter: Weekly inspiration and practical tips Subscribe: funderfulexperiences.com/get-the-uplift

Connected Hearts Community: Face-to-face membership for women 50s-60s Location: Coastal North County San Diego Learn more: funderfulexperiences.com

Also offering: Private coaching and mediation for divorce transitions

Bottom Line:

You have wisdom now you didn't have before. Use it. Your next chapter won't design itself—but you absolutely can design it.

Episode 11: Women's Health & Wellness with Lorna Fedelem MD

https://hercomebackpodcast.com/

Guest Bio: Dr. Lorna Fedelem is a Naples, Florida native who practiced hospital medicine for 13 years before transitioning to private concierge medicine five years ago. She now focuses on preventative care and building long-term patient relationships through her membership medicine model.

Key Topics Discussed

Common Health Issues Women Normalize:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence
• Intimacy challenges and relationship impacts
• Both conditions are treatable - women don't have to "just live with it"

Health Changes in Your 50s:

• Increased cardiovascular disease risk
• Higher breast cancer risk
• Hormonal fluctuations affecting sleep and mental clarity
• Changes in cholesterol, thyroid function, weight distribution, and sugar processing

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Update:

• Original 1990s research used wrong populations and dosing
• New research shows women starting HRT within 10 years of menopause may have 60% lower breast cancer risk
• Low-dose estrogen and progesterone can dramatically improve quality of life
• Individual risk assessment is essential

Essential Health Screenings:

• Pap tests every 3-5 years
• Annual mammograms
• DEXA scans (ages 60-65+)
• Colonoscopies starting at age 45-50

Dr. Fedelem's Practice

Services: Concierge primary care with 2-hour initial consultations, plus wellness center featuring:

• ExoMind for mental clarity
• EMSELLA chair for pelvic floor
• EMSculpt for core strength
• Additional aesthetic treatments

Upcoming Event: Winter Wellness Event - December 10th, 1-4 PM

Contact Information:

• Phone: 239-580-6390
• Email: melissa@lornafedelemmd.com
• Website: lornafedelemmd.com

Key Takeaway

Women deserve comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses all aspects of health - from hormones to intimacy to preventative screenings. Finding a provider who takes time to listen can be life-changing.

Her Comeback Podcast: Bonus Episode Notes

Episode Title: My Story - 5 Transformations That Changed Everything

Host: Michelle Thompson; michelle@hercomebackpodcast.com

https://hercomebackpodcast.com/

Episode Overview

In this deeply personal episode, Michelle shares her own transformation journey from hitting rock bottom at 37 to living her best life at 54. She reveals five pivotal transformations that reshaped her life and offers inspiration for women over 50 who feel stuck or believe their best days are behind them.

The 5 Transformations

Foundational: From Rock Bottom to Solid Foundation (Age 37) Michelle opens up about her struggle with alcohol and how her lowest point became the foundation for rebuilding her life. Key insight: Your rock bottom isn't your end point—it's your starting point.

1. Taking Action Despite Fear (Age 47) As a single mom working full time, Michelle pursued her MBA—attending classes two nights a week for two years. This proved she could do hard things and opened doors she never imagined.

2. Following Your Heart, Not Your Fears (Age 50) During the 2020 pandemic, Michelle made a bold move to Southwest Florida without knowing how it would all work out. She trusted her intuition and built her wings on the way down. Today, she wakes up grateful every day in her paradise.

3. Rewriting the Story of What's Possible (Age 51) After her doctor warned about health risks, Michelle confronted her limiting beliefs about weight loss after 50. She lost 50 pounds and reached a size four—something she'd convinced herself was impossible. The lesson: The biggest barriers aren't age or circumstances, but the limiting beliefs we accept as truth.

4. Discovering Your Body's Amazing Potential (Age 53) Facing work stress, Michelle discovered group fitness training. Within 15 months, she went from couch potato to completing a grueling competition (5K tread, 2000m row, 300 reps) in under an hour. Proof that age is just information, not a limitation.

5. Choosing Courage Over Comfort (Present Day) Michelle's most challenging transformation: leaving corporate security to build her own coaching business. She refused to let others control her potential and took a bet on herself.

Questions for Your Own Transformation

1. What rock bottom moment can become your launching pad?
2. What story about what's possible at your age needs to be rewritten?
3. If you couldn't fail and had unlimited resources, what would you do in the next 90 days?

Connect With Michelle

• Website: HerComebackPodcast.com
• Free Gift: Five Powerful Shifts to Reclaim Your Life

Your comeback story is waiting to be written. The question isn't "Can I transform my life?" It's "Are you ready?"

Her Comeback: Episode 10 Notes

https://hercomebackpodcast.com/

Guest: Stephanie Al-Arnasi, Owner of Maja Head Spa

Host: Michelle Thompson

Guest Background:

Stephanie is a massage therapist and esthetician of 12 years, married to Abe for 29 years, and mother of four young adults (Mark, Abraham, Joseph, and Adriana - whose initials spell MAJA). A Navy brat who settled in Port Charlotte, Florida at age 11, she recently turned 50 and launched her innovative wellness business.

Key Themes & Moments:

Finding Your Purpose at 50 Stephanie's journey to entrepreneurship began during her youngest child's senior year, coinciding with caring for her mother-in-law through cancer and navigating COVID-19. Watching strong people face challenges ignited her own courage to create something meaningful.

Overcoming Fear She candidly discusses how fear held her back for years, particularly the fear of letting others down. After decades of prioritizing everyone else's needs, she realized the worst thing she could do was not take a risk.

The Power of Perspective Witnessing her mother-in-law's grace through illness and her daughter's college soccer recruitment process made Stephanie question her own legacy. This perspective shift became her catalyst for change.

What is a Head Spa? An Asian-inspired wellness service focusing on scalp and hair health. Clients experience massage, warm oil treatments, double cleanse, and specialized tools while lying on a massage table with their head in a specialized sink featuring a "halo" sprinkler system. Each 1-1.5 hour session is unique and deeply relaxing.

Business Growth What started during COVID restrictions grew faster than expected, expanding from one suite to three locations (Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and Fort Myers). Stephanie reinvested profits organically, buying new equipment as revenue allowed.

Keeping Joy in Business Surrounded by a supportive team and family of pranksters, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of humor, crying when needed, and waiting 24 hours before reacting to challenges. She values authentic feedback from her core people and even clients.

Contact Information Website: majaheadspot.com Phone: 941-[number available on podcast]

Memorable Quote

"The worst thing you can do is not take a risk. The worst thing you can do is let fear get in the way and stop you."

Episode: Finding Your Power Through Self-Love with Natasha McCrea

Guest: Natasha McCrea, Founder of Love CEO Institute

Natasha McCrea is a coach, speaker, actress, and author from Los Angeles who describes herself as "a creative lover of life." After being married and divorced twice by age 30, she discovered she was a love addict and embarked on a transformative therapy journey that changed everything.

Key Topics Discussed

From Love Addiction to Love Intelligence

• Natasha's evolution from love addict to founder of Love CEO Institute
• Her one-woman show became unexpected group therapy, inspiring her coaching career
• The concept of "Love Intelligence" - treating yourself with the same importance as business commitments

Transformation Has No Age Limit

• At 50, Natasha launched a whiskey brand (Jackson McCrae) and got accepted into Techstars accelerator
• Had to completely redefine her self-care blueprint for a masculine-energy business environment
• Now available in Total Wine California stores and 46 states online

Practical Self-Care Strategies

1. The 2-Hour Block: Schedule two hours for absolutely nothing - just being, not doing
2. Detox from Yes: Take one week to practice saying "no" without explanation
3. Joy Brainstorm: Set a timer and list everything that brings you joy (even if you have to remember childhood)

The Cup and Saucer Philosophy

"Fill your cup until it overflows. Everyone else gets what's in the saucer - not from your cup." Your family and friends deserve the overflow of a fulfilled you, not the dregs of depletion.

Powerful Insights

• "You are the blueprint of how people treat you"
• Self-care blueprints must evolve as life changes - what worked six years ago may not work today
• We're built to regenerate - it's in our DNA to continue growing and evolving
• Fear itself is the real enemy, not failure

Connect with Natasha

Instagram: @natashamccrae Website: natashamacrae.com Free self-care rituals available via DM

This episode reminds us that it's never too late to recreate your life. Whether you're navigating menopause, starting a new business, or simply rediscovering who you are - transformation is always possible.

Episode Title: Finding Healing Through Holistic Health and Recovery with Christina Nylese

Episode Notes: In this empowering episode of Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50, Coach Michelle Thompson welcomes Christina Nylese, a Holistic Health Coach and Mindfulness Teacher who brings 14 years of sobriety and a wealth of experience in recovery and wellness. Christina shares her inspiring journey from New Jersey to Florida, weaving in personal transformation, professional growth, and her passion for helping others reclaim their lives.

Together, Michelle and Christina dive into:

• The role of mindfulness and holistic practices in healing and recovery
• Christina’s personal journey through sobriety and what she’s learned along the way
• Why women over 50 often face unique challenges in transformation—and how to overcome them
• Practical strategies for creating balance, self-awareness, and resilience in everyday life

Christina’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative, embrace wholeness, and live in alignment with your values. Whether you’re navigating recovery, facing a transition, or simply ready for a fresh start, this episode will inspire you to step into your own comeback story.

✨ Your best life isn’t behind you—it’s waiting for you now.

Connect with Christina Nylese

Website, Instagram: @christinanylese, or email Christina@selfhealingessentials.com

Connect with Coach Michelle

• Instagram: @empoweringyoulifestrategies
• Website: Women Empowerment Podcast | Life After 50
• Complimentary Coaching Session: [link to sign up]

Host: Coach Michelle Thompson Guest: Dr. Michele Pelletiere, Chiropractor

Guest Background

Dr. Michele Pelletiere has been practicing chiropractic care for 25 years, specializing in NetworkSpinal™ Analysis. Originally from Minnesota, she moved to Southwest Florida in 1997 after graduating from chiropractic school. Her journey began when experiencing back issues while working as a cognitive rehabilitation specialist in neuropsychology.

The Network Spinal Approach

• Beyond Traditional Chiropractic: Moving from temporary "band-aid" solutions to lasting transformation
• Mind-Body Connection: Addressing the nervous system's role in physical, emotional, and chemical responses
• Innate Intelligence: Empowering the body's natural healing capabilities
• Fight or Flight vs. Optimization: Helping patients move from reactive to responsive states

Real Client Success Stories

1. Physical Transformation: Client involved in car accident who self-regulated tension using techniques learned in sessions
2. Life Transition Support: Woman in her late 40s rediscovered her passion and energy to make significant life changes

Nervous System Optimization

• Computer Analogy: Upgrading from "Windows 10 to Windows 11" - creating bandwidth for better life experiences
• Neuroplasticity Enhancement: Developing greater adaptability to life changes
• Automatic Responses: Training the brain to handle stress situations more effectively

Treatment Process

• Comprehensive evaluation connecting spine position to life circumstances
• Physical contacts combined with awareness building
• Addressing stored tensions and traumas in the body
• Creating space for emotional processing and release

Benefits for Women Over 50

• Managing hormonal changes and life transitions
• Increasing energy and reducing fatigue
• Improving decision-making capabilities
• Enhancing relationships and communication
• Building resilience for major life changes

Special Offers

• 50% off first exam for podcast listeners (mention this episode)
• Regular promotions throughout the year

Contact Information

• Phone: 239-949-1222
• Website: backtowellbeing.com
• Email: Available on website

Upcoming Event

Women in Business Networking Event

• Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 5-7 PM
• Location: BCN Paella (near Dr. Michele's office)
• Focus: Collaboration, networking, and community building for women entrepreneurs
• Features: Tapas, networking opportunities, business presentations

Key Takeaways

NetworkSpinal™ Analysis offers a unique approach to chiropractic care that goes beyond physical adjustments to address the whole person. By optimizing the nervous system, patients can experience profound transformations in their physical health, emotional well-being, and life circumstances. This approach is particularly beneficial for women navigating the changes that come with life after 50.