Grace & Grit Podcast: Helping Women Everywhere Live Happier, Healthier And More Fit Lives

In this episode, I'm announcing an exciting transformation that's been on my heart for years. Starting January 1, 2026, the podcast is evolving into A Daily Hit of Grace & Grit – short, powerful 5-10 minute episodes designed to inspire, educate, and motivate your day, with occasional long-form interviews. This episode marks the final show of 2025, and now that we've crossed the 400-episode mark, it feels like the perfect time to make this shift. In this episode, I discuss: Why this vision has been on my heart for years and why now is the right time The power of daily connection and meeting you where you are in your busy life The importance of giving ourselves permission to evolve and transform You can listen here. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Consistency Code Book Subscribe to the Grace & Grit Podcast on your favorite platform to be sure and get A Daily Hit of Grace & Grit starting January 1, 2026. *** ⬇️ Tools to rock your second act. ✅ Start Here: https://graceandgrit.com/start-here/ ✅ The

Welcome to a special launch day episode! Today, I'm reading the introduction to my new book—a piece I wrote specifically for you, the reader. But before the book reaches your hands, I wanted to share these opening words here, with my podcast community. This introduction sets the stage for everything the book explores. It's an invitation into the ideas, stories, and insights that fill its pages. Whether you've already ordered your copy or you're just discovering this work for the first time, this episode offers a glimpse into what awaits you. Consider this your personal welcome into the book—a chance to hear directly from me about why I wrote it, who it's for, and what I hope it will mean to you. Press play and let me read you in. And, please help me share it far and wide. You can listen here. The Consistency Code: A Midlife Woman's Guide to Deep Health and Happiness is available now! Get your copy here! *** ⬇️ Tools to rock your second act. ✅ Start Here: https://graceandgrit.com/start-here/ ✅ The Consistency

In this milestone 400th episode and series finale, Courtney reflects on what 400 episodes of consistent, imperfect action have taught her—and how those same principles can transform your health and happiness in midlife. She shares the bigger vision for The Consistency Code community, reveals launch week and launch team opportunities, and extends a powerful personal invitation to join this movement of midlife women who are done with perfectionism and ready for more consistent self-honoring. What You'll Discover… Real stories of showing up imperfectly and why it worked Why THIS is your moment to stop waiting and start honoring yourself and help other women do the same What to expect on launch day and how to get involved You can listen here. The Consistency Code: A Midlife Woman's Guide to Deep Health and Happiness launches November 5th, 2025! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get your copy of The Consistency Code Apply to be a part of the Launch Team Episode 395: Origin Story: When Frustration Became Innovation Epis

This episode reveals the counterintuitive truth that perfectionism—not lack of discipline—is what's preventing midlife women from building sustainable self-care habits. You'll gain insight into how the pursuit of "perfect" consistency actually undermines your efforts, plus walk away with practical tools to embrace imperfect action and finally break the exhausting cycle of starting over every Monday. What You'll Learn: Three perfectionism patterns – Discover whether you're trapped by performance, timeline, or circumstance perfectionism (or all three) Why "good enough" works better – The science-backed reason that 60% consistency outperforms shooting for 100% Your Minimum Viable Action – A simple framework for defining what "counts" so you can celebrate small wins "B-minus work" philosophy – How lowering the bar actually raises your success rate Have a listen and if it lands, be sure to check out my new book, The Consistency Code: A Midlife Woman's Guide to Deep Health and Happiness. You can listen here. MENT

In this fourth installment of The Consistency Code Diaries, we explore the seemingly contradictory principles that make The Consistency Code uniquely effective for midlife women – and why embracing these paradoxes is the key to breakthrough transformation. In this episode, you’ll discover: How structure creates freedom: Why having a clear framework actually gives you more flexibility and choice, not less Why doing less yields better results: The counterintuitive truth about simplification and sustainable progress in midlife How planned “inconsistency” strengthens overall consistency: Why building in strategic breaks and flexibility makes your long-term consistency more resilient The power of rigid flexibility: How being firm on your values while flexible on your methods creates unshakeable consistency If you’ve ever felt frustrated by traditional consistency advice that demands perfection or feels too rigid for real life, this episode will revolutionize how you think about sustainable change. These paradoxe

In this third installment of The Consistency Code Diaries, we dive into a powerful client transformation story featuring Stephanie Lord Johnson, who went from struggling with consistency to creating sustainable change in her life. Key highlights from this episode: Steph’s journey through The Consistency Code The pivotal moment that helped her break the cycle of starting over How her definition of consistency evolved to include compassion Practical strategies she used during challenging life periods How this approach differs from traditional consistency methods Whether you’re struggling with health habits, boundary-setting, or simply showing up for yourself consistently, this conversation provides both practical wisdom and inspiration that sustainable change is possible, especially in midlife. Have a listen and be sure to share it with another woman who might benefit from the message. You can listen here. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Consistency Code Book Episode 395: Origin Story: When Frustration Became

In this second installment of The Consistency Code Diaries: The Stories, Science and Strategies Behind the Book, I dive into the fascinating science behind why midlife women specifically struggle with consistency, and how my upcoming book addresses these unique challenges. Join me as I explore: The hormonal shifts that affect your energy, mood, and motivation during perimenopause and beyond How your nervous system changes in midlife, creating unpredictable “tolerance threshold collapses” that sabotage your best intentions The cognitive adaptations your brain undergoes, including shifts in executive function and memory that directly impact consistency Whether you’re navigating brain fog, unpredictable energy levels, or heightened stress responses, this episode reveals why traditional consistency advice fails midlife women – and what actually works instead. You can listen here: https://graceandgrit.com/podcast-396 Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the science that can transform your relationship with

I have a book launching into the world in just 6 weeks! And in dedication to this, I decided to create a 6-part podcast series called The Consistency Code Diaries: The Stories, Science and Strategies Behind the Book. In this series, I will be sharing behind-the-scenes content about how this book came into the world and what you can expect from it. In this kickoff episode, I’ll pull back the curtain on my five-year journey to create The Consistency Code. You’ll discover the real-world observations that sparked this work and the personal consistency struggles that made me the perfect imperfect person to write it. This episode offers a unique glimpse into: The pattern of frustration I noticed across hundreds of midlife women My own embarrassing consistency failures and how they became valuable research The “aha moment” that finally allowed me to complete this work after years of false starts … and so much more! Whether you’re curious about the book or already committed to showing up more consistently for yours

In this episode, I sit down with Master Coach Mentor Molly Claire to discuss the process of creating lasting change in midlife. Molly shares her journey as a coach who has built both 6 and 7-figure businesses while raising three children. We explore her framework of the 4 Fundamentals of Lasting Change and discuss specific strategies for high-responsibility women facing unique midlife challenges. We discuss: How Molly’s approach to lasting change differs from conventional methods that fail 92% of people Specific challenges high-responsibility midlife women face when creating meaningful change Strategies for avoiding burnout while pursuing ambitious goals Powerful mindset shifts for women who believe “it’s too late” to pursue new dreams Essential skills everyone should develop for greater life satisfaction This conversation offers practical wisdom for listeners looking to create sustainable transformation in their health, relationships, or career while honoring their values and personal priorities. Learn mor

In this episode, I break down the unique nutritional challenges we face as women in midlife and how to navigate them without losing your mind (or appetite). Let’s face it – the eating strategies that worked in your 30s might be falling flat now as your hormones and metabolism shift. I’ll walk you through the four most common nutrition traps that catch us in midlife and share practical, doable alternatives that actually work with your changing body instead of against it. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why “everything in moderation” might be terrible advice for your midlife body and how to figure out which foods actually deserve some boundaries How to break free from the endless cycle of diet dogma and create an approach that works for YOUR unique body The huge difference between smart calorie management and the soul-crushing practice of chronic dieting Whether you’re dealing with stubborn weight gain, energy crashes, or just feeling completely confused by all the conflicting nutrition advice out there, th

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Laini to reflect on our recent retreat in the Azores. I share my experiences leading 16 incredible midlife women through a transformative journey on this breathtaking island. We discuss how this unique gathering created space for authentic connection, vulnerability, and personal growth as we collectively redefined what health and vitality mean in this season of our lives. Just a few things we discuss in this episode: The power of sisterhood: how women supporting women creates an environment where true transformation can occur. Embracing discomfort: how both international travel and vulnerable conversations pushed us all beyond our comfort zones in the most beautiful ways. Body wisdom over body criticism: how being in our bodies vs thinking about them led to deeper acceptance and appreciation. … and so much more. Learn more and listen here: https://graceandgrit.com/podcast-392 Have a listen, and if this episode and experience land for you, join the waitlist to be no

In this episode, we explore the five essential pillars that empower women to navigate midlife with renewed purpose and energy. Rather than fighting against natural transitions (hello, menopause!), we discuss how to harness your accumulated wisdom to create sustainable vitality during this transformative phase. The episode highlights why the strategies that served you in your 30s often fail to support you now, and introduces a framework specifically designed for midlife women’s unique challenges. At the heart of this episode is the concept of consistent self-honoring—recognizing that true consistency isn’t rigid adherence to perfect plans but an unwavering commitment to honor yourself through life’s inevitable changes. We explore how sustainable change, self-awareness, energy-aligned planning, self-trust, and adaptive resilience work together to create lasting transformation. Key takeaways include… Understanding why dramatic overhauls typically fail midlife women How hormone fluctuations affect energy levels

In this enlightening chat with strength coach extraordinaire Steph Gaudreau, we dive headfirst into the adventure of building strength, making bold life leaps, and embracing growth in midlife with open arms (and maybe some dumbbells). Steph drops truth bombs about strength training for women over 40 and reveals how picking up new skills can be the ultimate form of self-care. We also explore… Why giving yourself permission to pivot isn’t just okay—it’s the secret sauce to living your most deliciously fulfilling life The real scoop on why strength training is a midlife woman’s BFF (hint: it’s not about looking good in skinny jeans) How challenging your brain with new skills can put more life into your life Recovery and training hacks that actually work with your hormones instead of against them No-nonsense advice for building a fitness practice that’ll keep you crushing it for decades—because midlife is just the beginning of your strongest chapter Whether you’re contemplating a major life shake-up or simply w

In this episode, we explore the journey from living on autopilot to becoming the conscious author of your life, especially for women in midlife. We discuss how years of prioritizing others, societal conditioning, and overwhelming responsibilities can lead to disconnection from our authentic desires and purpose. Key points covered: The signs you're living on autopilot: feeling like you're just checking boxes, making decisions based on habit rather than desire, and struggling to articulate what you truly want Why midlife women are particularly susceptible to autopilot living and the hidden costs of this disconnection Practical strategies to wake up and reclaim your authorship, including the Power of Pause, daily intention setting, and conscious disruption of patterns How to shift from "should" to "could" thinking to open up new possibilities The importance of starting your day on purpose and regularly checking in with yourself Remember that purpose isn't something you find—it's something you choose, ever

In this conversation with Val Thompson, a woman of Grace & Grit, we dive deep into the reality of midlife for women today. If you’re navigating the fog of hormonal shifts, processing major life transitions, or simply wondering “what’s next?” as you create your second-half-of-life blueprint, this discussion offers both validation and direction. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: Practical approaches to reclaim your energy when you feel depleted by life’s demands How to make peace with your “expectations” for how your body is supposed to behave at midlife Mindset shifts to help you embrace restoration as an act of sef-honoring. The truth is, midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s an invitation to reclaim yourself. To stop putting yourself last. To recognize that your healthiest, most fulfilling years can absolutely be ahead of you, not behind you. Listen now if you’re ready to shift from feeling overwhelmed and overscheduled to becoming aligned, empowered, and energized in this magnificent midlife season.

While the world steals your attention in a thousand different ways, your one wild and precious life is happening right now. In this episode of Grace & Grit, I explore the revolutionary power of presence for midlife women and why it’s the missing ingredient in truly experiencing this rich stage of life. I share my personal journey with presence (including how I learned this lesson the hard way!) and guide you through understanding what true presence looks like amid hormonal fluctuations, career evolutions, and relationship shifts. You’ll discover: Why your body is your most reliable anchor to the present moment and how to use physical sensations to interrupt the mind’s tendency to time-travel The top “presence thieves” that are robbing midlife women of their most precious moments Simple yet powerful practices that don’t require adding more to your already full plate This conversation isn’t about perfecting yet another aspect of your life…it’s about fully inhabiting the remarkable journey you’re already o

In this episode, I dive deep into a topic that’s rarely discussed but incredibly important: the art of pleasure at midlife. I’m joined by Laini Gray as we explore why many women have either disconnected from intentional pleasure or are caught in cycles of false pleasures that don’t truly satisfy. We cover: The science behind pleasure – How our brain chemistry works and why pleasure matters for our health and longevity False pleasures vs. true pleasures – Understanding the difference between momentary escapes and genuine joy The unique challenges midlife women face – Why we struggle to prioritize pleasure and how societal messaging contributes Practical strategies – Simple ways to incorporate more meaningful pleasure into your daily life This conversation isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about reclaiming your right to joy and making pleasure a non-negotiable part of your wellness journey. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from what truly brings you happiness, this episode is your permission slip to priorit

In this episode of the Grace & Grit podcast, I help listeners explore the concept of unnecessary labor and how releasing these burdens can transform your midlife health and vitality: Discover what “unnecessary labor” is and why it’s particularly harmful during the midlife transition Understand the direct connection between unnecessary labor and hormonal imbalance, chronic stress, and inflammation Identify the warning signs that you’re carrying too much and the thought patterns perpetuating this cycle Get practical first steps to put down what isn’t yours to carry Access the free guide “Permission to Put It Down” for deeper insights and tools This episode provides a powerful reframe: setting down unnecessary burdens isn’t selfish—it’s essential medicine for your midlife body and mind. You can listen here: https://graceandgrit.com/podcast-385 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Grab your FREE Permission to Put It Down Guide  https://graceandgrit.com/resources *** ⬇️ Tools to rock your second act. ✅ Start Here: http

In this episode, we dive deep into what might be the most overlooked aspect of wellness in midlife: our relationships. While we’re busy chasing the perfect diet, exercise routine, or supplement regimen, the true foundation of our health may actually be the quality of our connections—with others, with food, with movement, and most importantly, with ourselves. Joined by the insightful Laini Gray, we explore how to conduct a thorough “relationship audit” across all domains of life. We discuss practical strategies for assessing which relationships energize us versus deplete us, and provide actionable steps for setting boundaries, nurturing positive connections, and healing the relationships that impact our health daily. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why healthy relationships might be more important for your wellbeing than the “perfect” protocol How to recognize when a relationship is depleting rather than nourishing you Practical strategies for setting boundaries and transforming unhealthy connections The cr

Are sleepless nights and anxiety about sleep stealing the vitality from you at midlife? In this episode, we dive deep into the science of sleep, exploring evidence-based strategies that go beyond conventional wisdom. Key Points: The surprising truth about sleep trackers and who should (or shouldn’t) use them Understanding CBTI: The gold standard treatment for insomnia Practical tips for using natural light to optimize your sleep cycle Why the “8-hour sleep rule” might be holding you back Join holistic sleep coach Morgan Adams as she shares transformative insights on reclaiming your relationship with sleep. As a two-time breast cancer survivor and wellness advocate, Morgan brings a unique perspective on how quality sleep connects to overall health and disease prevention. Have a listen and, if it lands for you, consider sharing it with another woman who might reap value from it. Learn more and listen here: https://graceandgrit.com/podcast-383 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Free Guide on Managing Wakeups Sleep Con