Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Heal, and Date Differently with Somatic Experiencing, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Happiness
Hi, I’m Laurie James—author of Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, somatic relationship coach, mother of four adult daughters, divorcée, and recovering caregiver.
I created Confessions of a Freebird as a heartfelt space for women navigating midlife transitions—divorce, empty nesting, loss, dating again, or simply wondering:
“Is this all there is?”
If you're longing for more authenticity, joy, freedom, and purpose, especially after years of putting everyone else first, you're in the right place.
Each episode, I’ll share:
- Practical tools and somatic coaching strategies
- Raw reflections and confessions from my own journey
- Expert conversations on everything from sex, grief, trauma healing, and finances to dating, caregiving, and reinvention
We'll explore what it means to come home to yourself through somatic practices—and how to design a life that feels aligned with who you are now, not who you were 20 years ago or who someone or society has told you to be.
Whether you’re in the sandwich generation, starting over after loss, or dreaming of your next chapter—Confessions of a Freebird is your midlife best friend. Think of it as a permission slip to evolve, heal, and fall in love with your life all over again.
Because the most important relationship you’ll ever have… is the one you have with yourself.
XO,
Laurie
Connect with me:
Purchase my book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, https://www.laurieejames.com/book
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.james/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.james.79219754
Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Heal, and Date Differently with Somatic Experiencing, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Happiness
Finding Yourself After Caregiving: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prioritizing Self Care with Debbie Weiss
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What does it look like to wake up at fifty and finally ask, "What do I actually want?" For Debbie Weiss — bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Maybe I Can podcast — that question became the turning point that changed everything.
In this deeply honest and vulnerable conversation, Debbie shares the emotional arc of her transformation: from decades of family caregiving that left her financially stressed, emotionally depleted, and disconnected from herself, to building an entirely new life through what she calls "sprinkles" — small, intentional shifts that slowly and powerfully rewrote her story. Her journey from identity loss to empowered living, including losing over 80 pounds, writing a bestselling memoir, and discovering that personal growth doesn't require a giant leap. It just requires one tiny step, taken consistently.
In this episode, I sit down with Debbie Weiss, an author, speaker, and podcaster who spent thirty years navigating the intense caregiving burden of looking after her disabled father, a son with special needs, and a husband struggling with chronic illness. Debbie’s story is a powerful example of how midlife women can reclaim their lives, moving from a place of deep identity loss to one of purposeful, empowered living.
In this episode you'll learn:
- How to recognize when you've slipped into victim mentality — and the first small step toward reclaiming your personal agency
- How to manage the physical and emotional toll of being the family caregiver without losing your spirit or your sense of self
- Why self-care is not a selfish luxury but the necessary foundation for showing up as your best self for the people you love
- How to approach a midlife career change or a new passion project by making "maybe I can" your new daily mantra
- The role resilience building plays in moving through the stages of grief recovery after profound loss
- Why sandwich generation women need to release the pressure of perfection and embrace the "1% more" rule for sustainable, lasting change
- How to begin your own personal growth journey by committing to just one doable, body-led goal at a time
This episode is for every woman in the sandwich generation who has quietly wondered whether there is anything left for her on the other side of all that giving. There is. And Debbie is proof.
A note from Laurie:
The power to change your life has been within you all along — even when it feels completely buried. You are not alone in this journey. And it is never, ever too late to start choosing yourself.
If this episode speaks to something you've been carrying quietly, share it with a woman in your life who needs to hear it. And if Debbie's story moves you, leave a review — it helps more women find this conversation when they need it most.
.
Much love,
Laurie
Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit”
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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.