The Midlife Collective + Our Valentine's Experience

A romantic train ride with prime rib sounded perfect—until rain, a straight-line route, and a mid-journey food restock turned it into a comedy of logistics. We decided to laugh, connect with the couples around us, and pull a bigger lesson from the chaos: balance isn’t about perfect plans, it’s about finding joy when things get weird. That energy fuels everything we unpack next, from creative healing to strength training you can trust.

We bring back the voice of intuitive artist Alenda Jacobson, whose work grew out of a season of recovery. She explains how listening—really listening—to feelings and personal stories shapes pieces that are playful, grounding, or calm, and always honest. For anyone navigating stress or change, intuitive art can serve as a mirror for the moment you’re in, turning emotion into color and giving you a keepsake for tougher days.

Reach out to Alenda for your piece of artwork: 
alendaj78@gmail.com
913-832-8230

Then we unveil The Midlife Collective, our monthly community for women who want more than “healthy”—they want to feel good again. Expect simple, sustainable fitness plans, doable recipes, weekly support, and a monthly live Zoom that values consistency over perfection. The best part: members get behind-the-scenes access to guest interviews and a live post-show Q&A, helping surface the questions midlife women actually want answered.

We also tackle your AMA: heavy vs light lifting, how strength builds metabolism and confidence, and why pelvic floor awareness and proper breathing protect long-term gains. Snack smarter with cottage cheese pairings, collagen plus vitamin C, and realistic fat swaps if avocados aren’t your thing—think olive oil, nuts, salmon, eggs, and seeds with mindful portions. Finally, we share the hardest lesson wellness taught us: progress survives setbacks. Ten minutes still counts, healing takes the time it takes, and strong feels like being pain-free for the moments that matter.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Want in on The Midlife Collective or our Wednesday newsletter? Email info@spandexandwine.com or text 913-392-2877 to join and help shape what comes next.

Transcript

Welcome And Valentine’s Tease

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Hello and welcome to the Spandex and Wine Podcast. I'm your host, Robin Hackney, and I'm so happy that you're here. This podcast is a place for conversations about balancing a healthy lifestyle and being happy. More specifically, happy hour. Together we'll explore all things wellness and wine. I hope you learn a little, laugh a lot, and along the way, know you're not alone on this balanced wellness journey. Ready to jump in? Pour something in your glass that makes you happy because it's time for Spandex and Wine. Hello and welcome to the Spandex and Wine Podcast. Oh my gosh, I had so much trouble trying to get this recorded today. This is probably like my seventh attempt. I don't know what's going on with the software, but hopefully this is coming through loud and clear because I know that all of you were tuning in just because you want to hear about our Valentine's weekend. If you saw me on social media and you saw the picture of me on the train, like with my hands on the window, screaming out the window. I mean, I wasn't screaming, but I I know that's why you came here. You wanted to hear the story and the backstory with all of that. So here's the Valentine's deal. Here's where everything started. So you probably saw, if you're on Facebook or Instagram, you may have seen the Rio or Reach International Outfitters? I'm not sure what it is. But anyway, there are box for boxes for each state, and there's 50 cards in the box, at least the one that we have, and we chose the state of Kansas. So you pull out these cards and there's a place to scratch off and you see what your activity is. Now it does tell you before you do the scratching whether, or it tells you the town, it tells you what season you should be going, it tells you if it is an indoor activity, if it's an outdoor activity, it also tells you the dollar amount. So you have an idea of what you're choosing. So the very first one that Dave and I scratched off was for Abilene, Kansas, and it was a train ride across the Flint Hills with a prime rib dinner. I'm like, that sounds amazing. The first time they could do it, we wanted to go in January, but the first available train ride was Valentine's Day. So we thought, okay, well, we'll just push that off and we'll do that Valentine's. Let's scratch one more. So we got another one out. We scratched it, and as I'm scratching it, I can see it, but Dave can't. And I'm like, okay, if we scratch it off, we have to do it, right? And he's he agreed. And it was going to the cat cafe in Lawrence, Kansas. So you're like in the middle of all of these cats with your coffee. And Dave's not a huge cat person. He doesn't have anything really against cats. We have a great cat named Gary that we both love. Um, but anyway, it was just something that he and I would not typically do. So the day we had that scheduled in January, there was a snowstorm, so we had to cancel that. So this past weekend for Valentine's, we did have our train ride, and I was so excited because I'm like, oh, this is gonna be beautiful. We're gonna go across the Flint Hills, we're gonna get to see the sunset, and then it ended up being a rainy day. So I'm like, okay, that's okay. At least we're gonna have some beautiful scenery, you guys. Okay, number one, I don't want to um, I don't want to bash another company because I that's not it at all. But we got on in Abilene and then a straight line over to Enterprise Kansas and then right back. And it wasn't scenic at all. It was so funny. The people around us were great. We did spring for the table where we didn't have to sit with anyone else, but the tables around us, we talked to those um couples, and it was, I mean, they were having obviously the same experience as us, so it was fun and cheesy. Um, and we stopped, I don't even know how far into it we maybe we were 10 minutes into it. The whole thing was probably two and a half hours, but we stopped like right in the middle of an intersection, and there was a truck on one side and a Jeep, and then another car that was pulling up on the side that I was on or we were on. Um, well, the truck and the jeep were the caterers because they ran out of food, so they had to bring more food onto the train. And I just thought, so the picture on social media that I did with me up against the window was because there were cars coming, and I just did like a help me plea, just being funny. Not that anyone took me serious, but um so yeah, you know, if you were looking for something different and you can have fun in any situation like Dave and I, then I say go for it. But otherwise I say it's a little pricey to not have the scenic um experience. And the food was good, it was just cold. Um, so I'm not saying don't go, but it was just a funny experience. Oh my gosh. Um yeah, so let's switch gears. So a few things that I wanted to talk about today. Uh I want to follow up on a podcast that I had with Alinda Jacobson. I don't know if you guys remember her, and then um a new membership that I've been working on, and then I've been promising you that we would do some of the ask me anything questions. So we're going to do that today. But first, I wanted to um tell you a little bit more about actually, I'm not gonna tell you. I had my friend Alinda do a little clip so you can get a little more information about what she does as an intuitive artist. If you remember her episode, um, she was sharing a little bit of trauma that not a little bit, a lot of trauma that she was going through and how she coped with all of this. And it turns out that artwork is something that um is a way that she's coping, but she's helping others and doing some intuitive drawings, and I've seen them and they are amazing. And she sends out this questionnaire, and then you, you know, send in the answers, and she'll follow up with more questions, or maybe she'll have a phone conversation. It's just the whole process is really cool. She sent me the questions and I answered all of them. Um, so I'm waiting on my piece of artwork, and I can't wait to see what it's like. But here is what Alinda had to say when I asked her to do just a little snippet for me.

SPEAKER_00 6:14

Hi, I'm Alinda Jacobson, and I create intuitive art. For me, this really started during a season of healing. I wasn't trying to become an artist, I just needed a way to process what I was feeling. I came across a simple art technique online, started experimenting, and something just clicked. Over time, it became less about the technique and more about the listening to myself, to what someone else is going through, to the things that feel present. I don't focus on realism or perfection, I focus on capturing a feeling. Sometimes that looks playful and colorful, sometimes it's grounding and calm, but it is always honest. If you're curious about intuitive art or interested in having a piece created that reflects where you are in your own journey, I would love to connect with you.

How To Connect And Newsletter

Introducing The Midlife Collective

Behind-The-Scenes Podcast Access

Ask Me Anything: Strength Training

Quick Snacks And Collagen Tips

Healthy Fats Without Avocado

Hardest Wellness Lesson: Injury And Patience

Join The Collective And Closing

Follows, Reviews, And Community Invite

SPEAKER_01 7:05

Okay, so how cool is that? I am going to put all of her information in the show notes, but then I'm also going to put it in my newsletter next week so you guys can get that. And if you don't subscribe to the newsletter, I would love to have you join us there. I send it out every Wednesday at 3 30. And you can just email me at info at spandexandwine.com or text me at 913-392-2877, and I can get you added to that. Okay, so something that I have been working on that I'm excited to share. I've done so many different challenges and tried some different groups and this and that. Um, and I'm not saying that I'm not going to do a challenge anymore. I was just talking with Dave about that. Um, I still love my challenges. So some of them are gonna change just a little bit. But over the past few months, I've realized that what I really want for women in midlife isn't just to be healthy. I shared some of this last week on the episode. It's to feel good again, to have energy, to feel strong and be strong, and to actually experience joy in their lives. And I know so many women are trying to figure that out on their own, and it can be so overwhelming, especially with when there's so many mixed messages on social media and that you hear in the news. It's just, oh my gosh. So I am starting something called the Midlife Collective. It's a monthly community built around belonging, uh, connection, and just simple sustainable wellness. It's nothing extreme, nothing overwhelming, just monthly workouts that you'll get, a workout plan, recipes that I want to share with you, some things that I've tried or that I'm going to be trying. We'll do a live Zoom call once a month and we can kind of maybe try these recipes out together and talk about which ones we liked and which ones we didn't. We'll also have, you know, weekly support and encouragement via text. It's going to be a space where you don't have to do this alone. And I'm also doing something really fun that I can't wait. Like this is the best part of it, in my opinion, where members will get behind the scenes access to the podcast interviews. And when I say that, it's not like I'm going to send them, you know, things that bloopers or whatever. They get to be a part of the podcast. So you will be there with me while I am interviewing the guest. And obviously you'll be muted for the during the recording, but then afterwards, there's going to be a QA. So I'm excited about that because I feel like you guys are going to be able to help bring out some of the information that women are really after. So that is going to be so cool. So if you've been feeling like you want support and structure and just a place to land, this is for you. So I'm going to share more soon, definitely in next week's newsletter, newsletter. Um, but just so you know, you don't have to figure this out by yourself. That's it's going to going to be a support group that is not like any other, hopefully. So I'm looking forward to that. And I hope you are too. You can definitely message me back if you want to get on the list for that. We are starting March 1st. The Zoom won't be March 1st. Um, we are figuring out the days and times that are going to work best for that, but we're just going to kick it off then. You know, there's no sense in just waiting around. All right. So a few weeks ago in my newsletter, I had put out there an ask me anything. Um a few of you messaged back. So thank you for that. So I'm going to share a few of the questions. So, number one, what are the benefits of lifting heavy with fewer reps versus lifting lighter with more reps? So, first of all, thank you, Lisa, for that question. All right, so lifting heavier with fewer reps is more effective for building lean muscle, which is key for improving your metabolism and burning more fat over time. So the more muscle you have, the more energy your body uses, even at rest. So it's not just about what you burn during a workout, like in a cardio session, but what your body does all day long. So lighter weights with higher reps, they still have value, especially for endurance. But if your goal is strength, body composition and transformation and long-term results, lifting heavier is a game changer. And I've shared this before. It also helps with bone density, it helps with grip strength, and there's a huge confidence boost that comes with getting stronger. I just want everyone to experience that. And I also will say, though, that you just need to make sure that you are lifting properly and that you're breathing correctly. Because otherwise, you know, you might end up damaging or hurting yourself, especially your pelvic floor. I am learning so much right now from the pelvic floor physical therapist. I think I told you that I'm doing some one-on-one sessions. I know I did because I shouted her out last week on the podcast. Um, but it's just amazing. I I'm just I'm so much more aware now in how I'm lifting and not necessarily lifting heavier. Like I've gone backwards in weights on some of my things because I need to get that control and awareness that I hadn't realized was leaving me. So I might touch base on that in just a moment. Um, so thank you, Lisa, for your question. All right. Next one is what do you grab for a quick snack in the middle of the afternoon? I love cottage cheese with either a fruit or a vegetable. So if it's a fruit, I usually lean towards pineapple. And if it's a vegetable, I love sugar snap peas. And if I can, I will drink a cup of tea, a hot tea, I do love hot tea, in the wintertime. In the summer, I like cold tea, but in the wintertime, like right now, I do that. And at the same time, I put a scoop of collagen protein in the tea. And if you guys remember me talking about, I think it was on social media, how collagen protein works best when paired with an animal sourced protein or a more of a complete protein, you'll see results faster. There'll be better absorption. And speaking of absorption, collagen protein works best when it's paired with vitamin C. So if you didn't know that, that is an important piece. I'm thankful that mine already includes vitamin C. But if your brand does not, then maybe choose an orange with your cottage cheese and a cup of tea. Um, so that might be something that you would enjoy. So thank you, Mary Martha, for your question on that one. All right. So, oh, this next one was a question that I got off of a post that I made this past week regarding fats. I did a Fat Tuesday post and um Tara said, I always um avoid avocados or I see them avocados mentioned for many things. And she says that she does not like guacamole, she does not like avocados. What replacement would I suggest? Okay, so definitely don't eat something that you don't enjoy. I mean, I'm a type of person where if I know it's good for me, then I'll just eat it. But some people don't like the texture. That was the thing for Tara. She didn't like the text texture of avocados. So healthy fats aren't about one food. It's about giving your body quality, sources, and consistently. So suggestions would be extra virgin olive oil, nuts and nut butters, um, fatty fish like salmon, whole eggs. I suggest farm fresh eggs or free range. They're just so much better, you guys. Oh my goodness, if you haven't experienced it, you need to find someone in your area that has fresh farm eggs. I'm so grateful to our chickens. Um, I would also, excuse me, recommend seeds such as chia or flax and pumpkin. You can put those on salads. It can be very versatile. But I would also suggest that when you are looking at different fats, make sure you're aware of the serving sizes. Um, sitting down with a bag of pistachios is a good choice, but the bag can go super fast and then you've had too much fat. So, you know, that goes for pretty much anything, like chips or whatever you're eating out of the bag. Make sure you measure the amount and then put the bag away and then have your um then eat it, because you know how that can get away really fast. Okay, so one last one. Um oh, and this is one of my favorites, I think. It came from my friend April, and she asked, What is the hardest lesson that wellness has taught you personally? And there are so many things that I could say here. When I first thought saw it, I'm like, oh my gosh, just reflecting back on everything that I've learned, and I wish I could capture it in just one little podcast. But recently I would say that workouts don't have to be all or nothing, meaning that if you don't have 60 minutes, just do 10. I've been talking about this over and over and over again. Any movement is good for your body and your mind. Just move. But I think the hardest is injury. If you are used to working out and you've experienced any kind of physical setback, then you know what I mean. I've been dealing with hip pain for a long time now, and it's kind of gone into some low back pain and disc issues. So recently I just decided to address it full on. So that's one reason why I'm working with a pelvic floor physical therapist, but that's not what I'm talking about in this one. I am healing and finding ways to move better, but for a while, being in that phase of fear and frustration of not being able to do what I wanted to do and move like I wanted to move, super hard. Like I can empathize with so many of you out there. And wow, I mean, I hate that I had to learn this the hard way, but it's important for me to learn it in the position that I'm in. You guys know I am a mover, I am a goer, I am a doer, and slowing down was hard for me and made me feel like I was losing all my progress. And I know it'll come back. And even if my arms don't look fabulous and I do have a little extra fluff, it's okay. As long as I am pain-free, I am good with it. As long as I am able to pick up my grandsons, um, do all the things that I want to do, then I'm good with that. So that's probably the lesson that I have learned the most. Um, like I said, there's so many different things I could have said in this moment, but that was a good, that's a good question. I'll probably think on it for a little while. And the next time I do it, ask me anything, I might have something else to say to that. But yeah, I think that's it. And with that, we will just wrap up this episode. Um, if you are interested in the Midlife Collective, please message me at info at Spandex and Wine. You can send me an email or you can text me at 913-392-2877. Please reach out. I want to make sure that you get on the list. Um, I already have, you know, a handful of founding members that I am so excited about. These women are amazing. And this is gonna be this is gonna be a really cool group. So I want you to be a part of it. All right. So reach out to me. Um, and until we talk next time, take care of yourselves, take care of your loved ones. I there's just been so many heaviness in the world recently, and not just in the world, like at the club, we've had so much heaviness. I won't get into all of that. I may have last week, I'm not sure. Um take care of yourself, take care of each other, be kind. All right, cheers, everyone. Thank you for listening. If you're enjoying this podcast, be sure to follow Spandex and Wine so you don't miss an episode. To do this, just go to the podcast and click subscribe or follow wherever you are listening. Look for the plus sign or follow button. This is one of the best things that you can do for the podcast. If you'd also be willing to give a five-star review, that would be amazing and much appreciated. Lastly, please share an episode with a friend or five to keep the love going. And join the Spandex and Wine community in our private Facebook group by searching Spandex and Wine. Feel free to reach out to me at any time by emailing info at spandexandwine.com or text me at 913 392 2877. I appreciate you. Thank you.