Grief has a way of cracking everything open—and in this conversation, we sit down with Laing Rikkers to explore what can emerge from that opening. From unexpected loss to creative awakening, we unpack how life’s hardest moments can become invitations to reconnect with yourself, your purpose, and what truly matters. This is a deeply human conversation about courage, identity, and what it really means to begin again.

We also get honest about fear—why it keeps so many of us stuck in midlife—and how to gently move through it without needing all the answers. Whether you're navigating loss, burnout, or simply feeling the pull for “something more,” this episode offers grounding insights, practical tools, and a refreshing reminder: you don’t have to choose just one version of yourself.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Welcoming Laing and setting the stage for rewriting your life after major transitions

[01:40] - Laing shares the unexpected loss of her sister and how grief reshaped her path

[04:11] - Discovering “morning pages” and the healing power of creative expression

[07:05] - The surprising emotions of grief beyond sadness—anger, loneliness, and reevaluation

[11:43] - “Talk it, walk it, write it” — a simple, powerful framework for moving through grief

[13:02] - The biggest mistake in grief: isolation and the importance of connection

[14:58] - Fear, identity, and stepping into a multi-dimensional life in midlife

[18:54] - Why doing hard things becomes the actual journey of growth

[21:22] - Behind the scenes of publishing a first book and navigating creative risk

[25:17] - Creating a new chapter: blending business, creativity, and meaningful work

[29:14] - Writing through grief vs. making meaning after it

[33:05] - The healing power of nature, movement, and simply taking the next step

Links & Resources

• Website: www.laingrikkers.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laing-rikkers
• Instagram: @morning_leaves_and_poetry

If today's discussion resonated with you

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this energizing conversation, we sit down with Allison Walsh—business consultant, personal branding expert, and founder of She Believes She Could—to unpack what it really takes to build confidence, scale your impact, and turn your personal brand into a meaningful business. From pivoting out of law school to helping grow unicorn startups, Allison shares how bold moves and consistent action shaped her journey.

We dive into being mission-driven in midlife, aligning purpose with profit, and why so many women feel called to something more. If you’re ready to build your brand, monetize your expertise, and step confidently into your next chapter—this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] – Welcome back to Insights from the Couch and an introduction to today’s guest, Allison Walsh.

[3:03] – Allison reflects on hearing her own bio and the grit behind the highlight reel.

[4:20] – From law school to healthcare leadership: how one unexpected opportunity sparked her first big pivot.

[6:34] – Scaling companies, leading massive teams, and building influence behind the scenes.

[8:35] – The birth of She Believes She Could during the pandemic—and creating opportunity in uncertainty.

[13:13] – Laura opens up about feeling behind on “business skills” and why so many women relate.

[14:06] – Who Allison serves: mission-driven women ready to turn their brand into a business.

[19:08] – Where to start when you want “more” but don’t know what that looks like yet.

[20:48] – The 5 M’s framework: Mindset, Messaging, Marketing, Monetization, and Momentum.

[24:48] – What a personal brand really is (hint: it’s your reputation).

[29:45] – Allison’s definition of confidence—and why action is the ultimate builder.

[31:30] – Where to find Allison and what’s next for She Believes She Could.

Links and Resources:

• Allison Walsh Consulting: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• Podcast: www.shebelievedshecouldpodcast.com

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

Family cutoffs, estrangement, and going “no contact” are everywhere right now—and they’re stirring up a lot of strong opinions. We’re unpacking what’s really going on beneath the surface of this cultural moment, and why this topic is so much more complex than it seems. From media conversations to what we’re seeing in therapy rooms, we’re exploring when cutting ties might actually be necessary—and when it might be a reaction to something deeper.

We also get into the emotional and generational ripple effects of these decisions, the role of boundaries versus disconnection, and how to navigate relationships that feel difficult without immediately going to extremes. If you’ve ever questioned whether to step back, speak up, or walk away entirely, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.

Episode Highlights

[01:14] – Why family estrangement has become such a hot (and controversial) topic right now

[03:28] – The cultural shift toward “protecting your peace” and what it’s costing us

[07:41] – When going no contact is actually warranted—and the key factor most people skip

[10:03] – The “dial method” for relationships: a middle ground between closeness and cutoff

[14:47] – The real emotional fallout of estrangement—for both sides of the relationship

[21:05] – Why every family needs an emotional leader (and what happens when no one steps up)

[30:01] – A healthier alternative: taking space without permanently shutting the door

[34:13] – How family cutoffs get passed down through generations

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts