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In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris wade into the unpredictable waters of parenting teenagers in 2025. Sparked by the Netflix series Adolescents, they unpack the shifting landscape of teen life—from evolving social norms and emotional challenges to the ever-present tech and screen time debates. With humor and honesty, they explore how to stay connected, model empathy, and create space for real conversations (and even a little chaos). Spoiler: there’s no perfect way to do it—but showing up still counts.

Referenced in this episode:
📘 Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph
📕 Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

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In this episode of The Midlife Mud podcast, Morgan and Chris dive into the lost art of play in adulthood. Why do so many of us see play as unproductive or even childish? They break down how play can be a secret weapon for stress relief, connection, and even problem-solving—without turning into avoidance or escapism. From childhood memories to the little things that still make them lose track of time, they share personal stories and practical ways to bring more play into daily life.

Plus, they wrap things up with a little game that proves fun isn’t just for kids—so stick around! Want to dig deeper into the science of play? Check out Play by Dr. Stuart Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Shapes-Brain-Imagination-Invigorates/dp/1583333789.

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In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan dives into her lifelong struggle with perfectionism, control, and the fear of failure—common themes for anyone navigating midlife. She unpacks how early coping mechanisms, like meticulously arranging her Lip Smackers as a kid, set the stage for a relentless pursuit of certainty in adulthood. That drive led her to dentistry, not out of passion but because it felt like a “sure thing.” But when her orthodontic practice failed, she was forced to face a hard truth: perfectionism isn’t a safety net—it’s a trap.

Morgan shares the breaking points that finally made her question everything, from the stress-induced shingles that took her down in 2017 to the life-changing car accident in 2024 that forced her to rethink what really matters. She opens up about her shift from fear-based parenting to connection-focused parenting, the lessons she’s learned through coaching, and how midlife has been both a reckoning and a reset.

If you’ve ever tried to control your way to happiness—only to realize it’s exhausting and unsustainable—this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest, unfiltered conversation about perfectionism, failure, resilience, and what it really takes to let go in midlife.

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In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris dive into the powerful theme of returning to oneself and rediscovering authenticity. They explore how many people, in their younger years, disconnect from their true selves—often using coping mechanisms that become unsustainable in midlife. Drawing from insights by Brené Brown and Mel Robbins, they discuss midlife as a reckoning, a time to shed facades and embrace vulnerability.

Chris shares his deeply personal journey, beginning with a life-altering event in 1992 when he was sent away from home for over two years. He reflects on the emotional impact of separation, feelings of abandonment, and how these early experiences shaped his adult life, leading to patterns of disconnection and self-doubt. His story unfolds through career struggles, the weight of imposter syndrome, and the heartbreaking estrangement from his daughters.

A turning point comes during a backcountry skiing trip in the remote Chic-Chocs of Quebec, where Chris is forced to confront his fears and embrace vulnerability. This experience sparks a transformation—leading him to reassess his values, prioritize authenticity, and build deeper connections with his community.

Morgan and Chris emphasize the power of storytelling, the importance of support systems, and how embracing authenticity can lead to profound personal growth. Tune in for an honest, raw conversation about resilience, midlife shifts, and the messy, necessary work of coming home to yourself.

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Morgan and Chris take on the midlife struggle with comparison, exploring how it shows up in careers, parenting, relationships, and personal growth. In a world where social media fuels self-doubt, they share personal stories about recognizing comparison, its impact, and how they manage it.

But comparison doesn’t just steal joy—it weakens connection and stifles creativity. The hosts discuss how this mindset can be unconsciously passed down to our kids, keep us chasing external validation, and prevent us from embracing our authentic selves.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Morgan and Chris open up about their own experiences and how they work through comparison in everyday life. The big takeaway? Letting go of comparison isn’t just freeing—it allows you (and everyone around you) to shine.

Covered in this episode:
How comparison in midlife impacts self-worth and relationships
The role of social media and external validation in fueling self-doubt
How comparison affects parenting
Why breaking free from comparison fosters authenticity and connection

Mentioned in this episode: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – Get the book here

Join the conversation on midlife, self-acceptance, and embracing the messiness of real life: Chime in via their home page www.themidlifemud.com/contact

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In this episode of Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris take a look at the relationship between midlife adults and screen time. From endless social media scrolling to streaming binges and fear-driven LinkedIn usage, they share personal stories about how screens often become addictive escapes from the challenges of midlife.

Inspired by Dr. Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, the hosts explore how the constant pursuit of instant gratification through screens can create harmful addiction cycles. Morgan reflects on how social media has become a way for her to check out, while Chris opens up about using Netflix as a distraction from addressing personal challenges.

Rather than offering quick fixes, Morgan and Chris candidly discuss their ongoing efforts to navigate their own screen habits and addictions. Through humor and honesty, they reflect on the messy process of balancing digital distractions with the demands and opportunities of midlife.

If you’ve ever wondered how your screen time might be affecting your well-being, creativity, or sense of purpose, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the complexities of midlife, growth, and connection – with or without our screens.

Discover Dr. Anna Lembke's book, Dopamine Nation, here.

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In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris explore the delicate dance between dreaming and practicality. They share personal stories and insights on rekindling dreams while managing real-life responsibilities. From navigating transitions between dreamer and pragmatist to embracing creativity and intentional choices, this honest and relatable discussion offers practical strategies for finding balance and purpose. Whether you're stuck in the midlife muck or seeking more joy, tune in to discover how to align your intentions for a fulfilling year ahead.

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In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris get real about the struggle of asking for help in midlife. They share their own experiences of fighting the urge to "go it alone," often driven by the pressure to look like they’ve got it all figured out. But, spoiler alert—vulnerability and authenticity are the true superpowers. The conversation digs into the hidden costs of not reaching out, from burning out to messing with relationships, and they offer some practical ways to make asking for help feel a little less daunting. In the end, this episode is a reminder that asking for help is not weakness—it’s a bold move that helps us connect and thrive.