What I Expected

Welcome to What I Expected—a podcast for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s about what to really expect, before you experience it. So much about getting older has changed since your grandmother's day, and the advice she used to pass down doesn't always fit the world you're actually living in. Think of this as that same wisdom, updated for modern life—your toolkit for the changes, the purchases, and the moments you wish someone had prepped you for. What to ask, what to plan for, before you spend your money, your time, or your peace of mind.

Except it's not a lecture. Think of it like the advice you'd get from your closest girlfriends—minus 47 unread messages. We break through the hype with honest, no-nonsense answers, sensible standards, and zero pressure to keep up.

New episodes every Tuesday—covering everything from Pilates to jewelry to the changes your body springs on you—for women who'd rather hear it straight from a friend than find out the hard way.

Contributors

Host

Holly Bohn Pittman

Holly is the host of What I Expected, a podcast for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s about what to really expect—before you experience it. After years spent bringing products to market and building go-to-market strategy, she knows exactly which claims are real and which ones are marketing spin.

What I Expected started because Holly got tired of finding out the hard way: products that didn't do what the ads promised, and life changes nobody warned her about. So she built the show she wished existed—honest, no-nonsense answers on the purchases you're weighing and the changes your body springs on you, delivered like advice from your closest girlfriend, not a brand's marketing team.

New episodes every Tuesday, covering everything from Pilates to watches to the realities of aging hair.

https://www.whatiexpected.co/

Guests

Guest

Amy Ulmer

Amy Ulmer discovered Pilates through physical therapy for a back injury. She immediately fell in love with the emphasis on mobility and body connection. She believed in the principles of movement so much that she decided to get certified and has been teaching for nine years. She has worked with a diverse range of clients, including those recovering from injuries, professional athletes looking to enhance performance, and individuals seeking overall wellness.

She is dedicated to helping others experience the transformative benefits of Pilates.

Guest appearance on:

Pilates: What to Expect Before Your First Lesson

Guest

Sara Orlando Seifert

Sara has spent the past 18 years at WatchTime Magazine, living & breathing the watch industry through the magazine and its in-person events across the country. She holds a BA in English from the University of New Hampshire and has loved shiny things since she was a little girl trying on her grandmother’s jewelry. The watch industry wasn’t initially on Sara’s radar as a career path, but that changed in 2008, when she was recruited to join WatchTime as Advertising Director. She became Publisher in 2015 and, in 2026, expanded her role to include Operations Director. Over nearly two decades, Sara has built deep relationships across the luxury watch industry and has played an integral role in growing WatchTime’s advertising, partnerships, and live events. She is particularly passionate about bringing people together through experiences that celebrate watches, craftsmanship, and the culture surrounding the industry.

Sara lives in Florida with her husband and their two sons.

Guest appearance on:

Watches 101: The "No-Stupid-Questions" Guide to Buying a Nice Watch

Guest

Sherry H Diedrich

For the past 40 years, I've had the privilege of doing so much more than hair; I've had the honor of doing life with my clients. We've celebrated marriages, welcomed children and grandchildren, walked through loss, and embraced new beginnings.

My goal has always been about more than beautiful hair. I want every client to leave looking their best, but more importantly, feeling their best.

As a Great Lengths Certified Hair Extension Artist for 21 years, I specialize in seamless, natural-looking transformations using K-Tips/Fusion, tape-ins, beaded sewn-in wefts, and Cosmo Luma UV Light Extensions.

I have a passion for helping women navigate aging hair, including thinning, hormonal changes, loss of density, and texture changes. I create customized solutions that restore fullness, movement, and confidence.

I believe great hair can boost confidence, but genuine connection can change someone's day. After 40 years, that's still my favorite part.

https://sherrydiedrich.glossgenius.com/