👤 Guest Introduction:
Sharon Pope is a Certified Master Life Coach, renowned relationship expert, and seven-time internationally bestselling author—including the hit book Stay or Go, which sold over 300,000 copies. She helps women and men heal, transform, or release struggling marriages with radical clarity and compassion. In this episode, Sharon and I unpack how to navigate midlife relationships, especially when you feel like the spark is gone and you’re stuck in a roommate marriage.

1. Clarity Begins with Ownership – Empowerment starts when you take responsibility for your role.
   
   

2. Conflict Isn’t the Problem—Avoidance Is – Difficult conversations are the doorway to deeper intimacy.
   
   

3. Connection Requires Intention – Communicate clearly, calmly, and with purpose.
   
   

1. Embracing Conflict to Deepen Connection
🕒 01:37

“If you're never arguing, that means one of you isn’t telling the full truth.”
Disagreement isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an invitation. The absence of conflict often means someone is silencing their needs. When you choose to lean in instead of retreating, you create an opportunity to understand one another more deeply and build trust that’s rooted in truth.

2. Stop the Blame Loop: Take Radical Responsibility
🕒 04:44

“The minute you own your part... possibilities open up that don’t exist when it’s all someone else’s fault.”
Waiting for someone else to change keeps you in victim mode. Real power comes when you take even partial ownership of your experience. That’s where your influence—and transformation—lives. It’s not about blame. It’s about reclaiming your power.

3. Mastering Difficult Conversations with Clarity & Calm
🕒 12:02

“Don’t follow them down the branch. Keep the main thing, the main thing.”
When emotions escalate, it’s easy to veer off course. But maintaining your original intention keeps the conversation anchored. Set your intention, speak from your experience, and invite the other person to talk first. This keeps you grounded, diffuses defensiveness, and opens the door to genuine connection.

“Clear is kind. Direct doesn’t mean bitchy—it just means clear.”
Being direct isn’t rude. It’s revolutionary. Women are taught to be accommodating, but clarity is one of the most loving things you can offer in any relationship. Especially when you're rewriting your marriage, communication is the cornerstone.

Whether you’re navigating empty nesting, midlife reinvention, or just wondering if your marriage is meant to last, this conversation gives you tools to reconnect—starting with yourself.

💌 For more wisdom from Sharon Pope, visit sharonpope.com or check out her free gift at sharonpopefreetraining.com

🛑 And remember: Avoidance isn’t peace—it’s delay. Speak. Heal. Connect. Repeat.

🖤 Until next time, keep life-checking yourself.

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• "Sharon's Latest Books - https://sharonpope.com/books

• Website - https://www.sharonpope.com

• Truth & Clarity Session - https://clarityformymarriage.com/truth-clarity?_atid=hNu1mk4d0r3qdkB4FZzahVywTftqZO

👤 Guest Introduction:
Lisa Copeland is a trailblazer in the world of midlife love and reinvention. An internationally recognized dating coach for women over 50, Lisa is the author of The Winning Dating Formula for Women Over 50 and has been featured on Dr. Phil, ABC, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and more. After building a successful business, she found herself quietly tolerating things that no longer fit—until she decided to radically redesign her life.

🎙️ Episode Topic:
In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the transformation that happens when you stop settling for a “good enough” life and start building a soul-aligned one—on your terms. From confronting people-pleasing patterns to redesigning her business and finding joy in solo travel, Lisa's journey shows what’s possible when you dare to start again—at any age.

✨ Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Freedom starts with redefining your schedule.
   
   

2. You don’t need permission to choose again.
   
   

3. Play and creativity are soul medicine.
   
   

🧭 Main Topics & Time Stamps:

1. Breaking Free from People-Pleasing & Redesigning Her Schedule (04:15)
Lisa shares how she realized that her jam-packed, client-first schedule was draining her energy and stifling her creativity.

“We don't realize how much freedom we truly have.”
✅ When decisions are based on obligation, you lose power. Designing your day around your energy is the first act of reclaiming yourself.

2. Dismantling Old Beliefs Through Polarity and Somatic Work (07:48)
Lisa fought through perfectionism and learned that she could hold two truths at once. Through deep polarity work and somatic release, she reprogrammed patterns rooted in childhood.

“I thought it had to be one way. I didn’t know I could choose again.”
✅ When stuck patterns feel logical, they often aren’t. Physical release opens the door to emotional transformation faster than overthinking ever could.

3. Experimenting With Fun, Art & Solo Travel to Reignite Joy (20:32)
Lisa shares how solo travel, watercolor painting, and even doodling helped her reconnect with joy and creativity outside of productivity.

“My soul was screaming for me to do art… not scroll my phone.”
✅ Creativity is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Playful experimentation leads to identity expansion and unexpected breakthroughs.

📝 Notable Quote:

“You think you’re free—but you’re really living inside a box you never questioned.”

🎯 Why This Matters:
This episode is a reminder that midlife is not a deadline—it’s a doorway. If you’re ready to stop bending like a pretzel to please others, reclaim your schedule, reawaken your creative spirit, and finally design the life that fits your soul—you’ll want to hit play now.

🧨 Bonus Insight:
You can’t 10x your life by tolerating what no longer fits. Real freedom begins when you question what you thought was “just the way things are.”

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Lisa’s Website

Guest Introduction

Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Warren Farrell, a renowned Ph.D., internationally bestselling author, and one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders (as recognized by the Financial Times). His work has shaped both the women's and men’s movements, and his latest book, Role Mate to Soul Mate, dives deep into the science and art of sustaining intimate relationships. Having been married for over 30 years, Dr. Farrell doesn’t just teach relationship transformation—he lives it.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the critical shifts needed to move from just “coexisting” in relationships to truly thriving. If you’ve ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in recurring patterns with your partner, this conversation will change the way you approach love, communication, and intimacy.

Three Powerful Takeaways

✅ Criticism is a Relationship Killer—But You Can Change Your Response ✅ Boundaries and Emotional Safety Are the Foundations of Lasting Love ✅ Understanding Your Partner’s Emotional Needs Creates a Conflict-Free Zone

Key Discussion Topics

1️The Hidden Traps of Criticism and How to Overcome Them (⏱ 17:4

"If you respond to criticism by being defensive, that means you are human. That was functional for survival, but it’s dysfunctional for love." – Dr. Warren Farrell

Criticism often triggers a fight-or-flight response, making even minor comments feel like personal attacks. Shifting the mindset from defensiveness to curiosity transforms relationships. Instead of reacting, creating a safe space for dialogue allows for deeper trust and connection. Learning to listen without taking things personally fosters emotional intimacy rather than eroding it.

2️The Power of Boundaries in Love and Parenting (⏱ 05:0

"Boys that are dad-deprived often lack postponed gratification, which is the single biggest predictor of success or failure." – Dr. Warren Farrell

Boundaries aren’t about control; they are about creating safety and stability—whether in parenting, personal relationships, or partnerships. Clear and consistent boundaries help people feel respected and seen. Without them, relationships can spiral into resentment or chaos. When structure and accountability are present, it leads to a greater sense of self-worth, stronger partnerships, and deeper emotional security.

3️Creating a Conflict-Free Zone in Relationships (⏱ 31:2

"If your partner criticizes you, you can either argue back—where there’s a 100% chance you won’t be heard—or bring it up during structured time, where there’s a 100% chance you will." – Dr. Warren Farrell

Most couples struggle with navigating conflict effectively, but structured communication—like weekly “caring and sharing” sessions—creates space for listening, appreciation, and deeper understanding. Shifting from reactive to intentional conversations reduces unnecessary tension and builds a foundation of trust, vulnerability, and long-term love.

Final Thought

If you've ever felt frustrated by miscommunication in your relationships or wondered how to create deeper intimacy and understanding, this episode will be a game-changer. Dr. Farrell’s insights provide actionable strategies to transform your love life and build a partnership that feels safe, fulfilling, and truly connected.

Grab his latest book, Role Mate to Soul Mate, and start your journey toward a stronger, more fulfilling relationship today!

Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs it!

Introduction

In this episode of Life Check Yourself, we sit down with the incredible Jen Crowley, a woman who has walked through love, loss, and the courageous journey of rediscovering herself. After losing her husband, Tyke, to cancer in 2015, Jen faced the overwhelming challenge of navigating dating again. With determination and a willingness to embrace new possibilities, she ultimately found love once more and is now engaged to Jeff.

Jen’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that love exists when we are willing to heal, redefine what we truly need, and take intentional steps toward the right relationship. Today, we’re diving deep into the mindset shifts, dating strategies, and personal breakthroughs that helped Jen find her way back to love.

3 Powerful Takeaways

• Clarity is everything—knowing what you want changes the game.

• Online dating isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy and alignment.

• The right relationship feels supportive, safe, and deeply fulfilling.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Defining Your Non-Negotiables & Dating with Clarity (12:05)

“You have to know what you’re looking for—otherwise, you’ll keep settling.”

"The right relationship isn’t just about chemistry. It’s about shared values, mutual respect, and a future vision that aligns."

Without a clear understanding of what truly matters, dating can feel like an endless cycle of trial and error. Defining non-negotiables isn’t about being picky—it’s about saving time and energy by only investing in people who align with what you genuinely need in a relationship. When you’re crystal clear on what matters, making dating decisions becomes easier and more intentional.

Overcoming the Fear of Online Dating & Taking Strategic Action (23:40)

"I was afraid of being lied to, but I also knew there had to be a way to navigate this better."

"Instead of dreading the process, I learned how to filter out the noise and focus on real connections."

Fear often holds people back from fully embracing online dating. Worries about deception, wasted time, and rejection can create resistance to putting yourself out there. But instead of staying stuck, learning how to strategically approach dating—through filtering, discernment, and proactive engagement—makes all the difference. Taking control of the process means dating smarter, not harder.

Building a Relationship That Feels Safe & Empowering (35:15)

"The best relationships feel like a partnership, where both people give 80% rather than keeping score."

"Communication should feel safe and open, where you can say what you need without fear of judgment."

A truly fulfilling relationship is built on mutual support, generosity, and the ability to communicate honestly. When both partners are committed to creating a space of trust and appreciation, love naturally deepens. Rather than settling for surface-level connections, choosing someone who makes you feel valued and understood creates a foundation for lasting happiness.

Final Thoughts

Jen’s journey reminds us that love isn’t about waiting—it’s about taking action. When we heal, define our values, and approach dating with confidence, the right relationship can unfold in ways we never imagined.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in love, this conversation is your sign to reset, get clear, and take the next step with intention.

Listen to the full episode now and start creating the love story you truly deserve!

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Join The New Cohort Waitlist

• Tyke's book, Hungry for Air

• Dinner for One: Stories From Widows Without Children

• Pure Haven - www.purehaven.com/jencrowley

Episode Introduction:

Welcome to another powerful episode of Life Check Yourself! Today, we’re diving deep into the art of boundary-setting, emotional resilience, and the power of reinvention with the incredible Jennifer Fable. After being diagnosed with over seven different mental health conditions by the age of 19, Jennifer embarked on a journey of radical healing that shaped her belief in one core truth: You are not broken. Now, she’s on a mission to help others reclaim their voice, set healthy boundaries, and build relationships that empower instead of drain.

In this episode, we unpack the misconceptions about boundaries, how to communicate them without pushing people away, and why true transformation starts with our words. If you’ve ever struggled with setting limits, feeling heard, or navigating relationships without guilt, this conversation is for you!

Top 3 Takeaways:

✅ Boundaries Should Be Bridges, Not Walls – Setting limits isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about creating healthy relationships built on clear communication and mutual respect.

✅ Your Words Shape Your Reality – The language you use in setting boundaries and advocating for yourself determines whether you build connection or create conflict.

✅ Confidence Comes From Action, Not Readiness – You don’t need to feel 100% ready to set boundaries; you just need to start practicing them with self-trust.

Key Topics & Time Stamps:

1. The Power of Boundaries: How to Set Them Without Guilt (10:2

“We think boundaries are about other people, but they’re really about knowing what we want and learning how to share it in a way that connects us instead of putting us on opposite teams.”

Boundaries are often misunderstood as rigid rules that separate people, but real boundaries are about creating clarity and connection. Rather than seeing them as conditions, they should function as a living, flexible framework that grows as we evolve. When setting a boundary, the focus should be on self-ownership—knowing what you

need, expressing it clearly, and allowing space for a response without control or manipulation.

2. Using Words to Strengthen (Not Sabotage) Your Boundaries (23:4

“Instead of saying ‘You can’t talk to me that way,’ try ‘I would love to be spoken to in a more gentle tone.’ This shifts the conversation from control to collaboration.”

Language is everything when it comes to setting boundaries effectively. Using empowering linguistic patterns prevents conversations from becoming adversarial. Avoiding words like “but” (which erases everything before it) and “try” (which presupposes failure) helps in creating agreements instead of ultimatums. Boundaries should invite negotiation, not opposition. Small changes in phrasing can dramatically shift how others receive and respond to our needs.

3. The Confidence Myth: Why You Don’t Need to Feel Ready to Start (41:1

“Confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s competence demonstrated over time. You don’t need to feel ready to set boundaries; you just need to start practicing them.”

One of the biggest myths about boundary-setting is that you need to be confident first. The truth? Confidence is built through action. Many people avoid speaking up because they fear rejection, but boundaries are about honoring yourself, not controlling others.

The key is to embrace discomfort, take small steps, and trust that each conversation is a step toward greater self-respect and stronger relationships.

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Jeniffer’s Book

Guest: Phil Weiss

Phil Weiss is the founder of Apprise Wealth Management and a financial expert with over 25 years in personal finance and investment management. His mission? To help women take control of their financial futures, avoid regret, and create a life of abundance. Phil's deep personal connection to financial empowerment, shaped by his own family’s struggles, fuels his passion for educating and guiding women toward financial clarity and confidence.

Episode Overview

So many women find themselves in midlife realizing they don’t fully understand their financial picture. Whether they’ve built wealth but aren’t sure how to use it, or they’ve been relying on a partner to handle money matters, there comes a moment of reckoning: Do I truly know what I have, what I need, and what’s possible for me?

In this episode, we dive into why financial empowerment isn’t just about numbers—it’s about avoiding regret, making aligned choices, and using money as a tool to live fully. Phil shares his expert insights on navigating financial transitions, life planning, and why NOW is the time to take control.

3 Game-Changing Takeaways

1. Money is a Tool, Not a Goal – Saving without a clear purpose leads to fear-based decisions. Financial confidence comes from aligning your resources with what truly matters.

2. Time is the Most Limited Resource – Many believe money is finite and time is unlimited—but it’s actually the reverse. Making empowered financial choices frees up the most valuable resource: your time.

3. Your Financial Power Starts with Clarity – Whether single, married, divorced, or widowed, knowing your financial reality gives you the freedom to make bold, intentional choices.

Key Topics & Timestamps

1️Breaking Free from the “Build & Save” Mindset (12:3

“I’ve been trying to build the biggest pile of money without ever thinking about how much I needed or what it was for.”

So many people—especially women—spend years accumulating wealth without considering the purpose behind it. This leads to fear-based decision-making, where spending money (even on things that bring joy) feels uncomfortable. True financial empowerment happens when money is seen as a tool to build a meaningful life, rather than a security blanket.

Why It Matters: Instead of focusing on “saving just in case,” align your financial plan with what you actually want to do. Whether it’s travel, career shifts, or early retirement, clarity turns financial anxiety into confidence.

2️How to Stop Trading Time for Money (22:4

“People have it all wrong. They think time is unlimited and money is finite. But really, time is what’s limited.”

Many people hesitate to spend on things that could buy back their time—whether it’s hiring help, outsourcing tasks, or making investments that increase freedom. But when you truly grasp that time is the scarcest resource, financial decisions become clearer.

Why It Matters: Shifting from a scarcity mindset to a life-design mindset means prioritizing time freedom over unnecessary financial hoarding. It’s not about reckless spending—it’s about making choices that expand your life rather than just your bank account.

3️Financial Transitions: How to Prepare for Life’s Big Shifts “Life planning at its core is about avoiding regret.”

Whether it’s divorce, the death of a spouse, an empty nest, or a career shift, major transitions require proactive financial awareness. Many women don’t engage with their finances until they’re forced to—but the best time to gain financial clarity is before a transition happens.

Why It Matters: Avoiding regret means understanding your financial standing now, rather than waiting until a crisis forces you to. Building financial confidence before a life shift happens allows for more choices, freedom, and security.

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Phil’s Website

Episode Overview:
Relationships thrive on clarity, communication, and emotional investment. In this episode, we break down how to identify relationship deal breakers, communicate emotional needs effectively, and move beyond surface-level compatibility. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lynda K. Cash, shares insights from years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, helping them understand how to break dysfunctional patterns and create meaningful, lasting connections.

If relationships feel like an uphill battle or you’re tired of repeating the same cycles, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen your emotional foundation, communicate assertively, and build a partnership that truly aligns with your values.

✅ Emotional Needs Are the Currency of Relationships – Without clear expectations, relationships become transactional instead of meaningful.
✅ Assertive Communication is Key – Saying what you mean and meaning what you say fosters trust and mutual respect.
✅ Deal Breakers Are Essential, Not Optional – Knowing and honoring non-negotiables prevents resentment and relationship burnout.

🟢 1. Emotional Needs as the Foundation of Connection (10:23)

"Your emotional needs are your expectations from the other person."
Emotional needs serve as the currency in relationships. Without clearly defining and communicating them, relationships can drift into mechanical routines, where partners feel unseen or undervalued. When emotional needs aren’t met, frustration turns into resentment, leading to sabotage. Awareness and expression of these needs allow relationships to flourish in an environment of understanding and mutual fulfillment.

🟢 2. The Power of Assertive Communication (24:10)

"Being assertive is getting comfortable with saying what you mean and meaning what you say."
Assertive communication isn’t about being loud; it’s about honesty, clarity, and confidence. Many people fall into the trap of calculated conversations, filtering their words based on anticipated reactions. This approach weakens connection and builds emotional walls. True relationship growth happens when both individuals feel safe expressing their truth without fear of judgment or withdrawal.

🟢 3. Understanding & Defining Relationship Deal Breakers (38:42)

"Most people introduce themselves by stating what they don’t want. That’s the wrong strategy."
Many relationships struggle because people focus on what they don’t want instead of defining what they do want. This mindset fosters frustration, misalignment, and eventual dissatisfaction. Clear deal breakers—focused on emotional needs, lifestyle compatibility, and core values—help filter out mismatched connections early on, saving time, energy, and emotional investment.

🗣️ "You don’t need a long list of relationship rules—just a clear understanding of what truly matters to you."

🗣️ "Relationships thrive when both partners feel seen, heard, and valued—not when they’re stuck in silent negotiations."

🗣️ "Knowing your deal breakers isn’t about being picky; it’s about ensuring long-term compatibility and fulfillment."

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Lunda's website

• Lynda's new book