The Middle Sisters

Mitzi joins the podcast today. We discuss the meaning of “Going Dutch” and after a trip to Dutch Donuts we were curious about the reputation of the “Dutch” name and how it’s associated with quality and hard work. Have some laughs with us.

Build a Reading Life! Stories are gifts. Literacy is extremely important for our brain development at any age. Visit a bookstore or library. Find a book club or exchange books with friends. #literacy

Season 2; Episode 1 Afton, a solo host shares her take on family, midlife medical issues like a hysterectomy and uncertain cancer diagnosis. She shares her story of the women’s pull in a Mormon trek where she doesn’t have the stamina to do what’s asked of her. Do you have to fight, or is just showing up good enough?

Afton and Mitzi took a few weeks off from recording for a wedding, funeral, surgery, and cold. Mitzi has two jobs to balance. They discuss the importance of having a work life balance. Self-care is important when facing the stresses of life.

Afton hosts a solo episode as she shares the journey of journaling to publishing. Afton discusses her memoirs: Enduring Miracles, Enduring the End and Enduring Grief. She reads her children’s picture books: The Blonde Volcano, ‘Twas the Last Day of School Before Winter Break, and Nora’s Noisy World. Keep dreaming and never lose sight of your goals. www.aftonzapatascow.com #kidsbooks #bookish #teac...

A New Era lies ahead with the passing of Marlene and the birth of new life, new jobs, and building new relationships. Afton recently returned from visiting family in Hawaii, and Mitzi reconciles with her dad after 4 months of estrangement. Remember the past, reconcile the present and gauge the future.

Afton and Mitzi fly to Southern California to eat at Ruby’s, shop the Carlsbad Outlets, admire the Sand Castle Mansion, sunbathe on La Jolla Shores, tour the San Diego Temple, eat expensive donuts and spend quality time with their brother Rob and sister-in-law Angela. Take time to visit your loved ones. You never know if it may be the last time you see them.

It’s a federal holiday, death date anniversary and the beginning of Father’s Day weekend. Afton and Mitzi reminisce past memories of when Afton’s husband, Juan died, the explanation of Juneteenth, and sometimes having shit for brains when making mistakes. Be safe and smart in summer.

Afton and Mitzi discuss what it’s like to cohabitate as adult siblings. Their family has had a history of sharing a house together while people transition from new housing or divorce. We all learn strategies on how to get along and be grateful we have each other to lean on for support.

Mitzi and Afton reminisce comedic moments when they laugh so hard they pee their pants. Overactive bladders and a prolapse diagnosis require a little more sober and serious attitudes when traveling and laughing. Laugh until your cheeks hurt or you pee your pants.

Afton sits down with Marlene Davis, master certified life coach, trauma coach, and certified professional mental health coach. Afton and Marlene discuss how trauma blocks love, but love heals trauma. There many modalities to practice toward mental health healing that are natural and organic. Hope and practice can change the neuroplasticity of the brain in positive ways.

Afton and Mitzi review the events of her arraignment and the people they observed at the courthouse. Mitzi is bouncing back with court appointed counseling and upcoming job interviews. They discuss single sites and being optimistic. Would you remarry? Afton and Mitzi believe in the union of two people going through life together and loving each other in the process. Bounce back from life and be op...

April is a busy month with birthdays, beautiful weather and being healthy. Afton and Mitzi have been cleaning house literally and figuratively- purging clothes, boots, jewelry and accessories as well as the toxic feelings from past relationships. At the end of the day we say, I wish you well.

Mitzi and Afton discuss the need to work and make money to survive. They had a recent jewelry outing to sell gold with goldvampire.com and buy rings at Hawkes Design. This Easter they enjoyed friends and family, watched The Chosen and General Conference. Mitzi is learning to forgive and love those who have done wrong and is preparing for her upcoming court hearing on physical assault with her dad....

Mitzi and Afton discuss the emotional trauma from childhood. People can feel emotionally and physically stuck with shackles that affect the present. Mitzi shares a horrific prison and holding cell experience after a physical altercation with their father. They vow to have a positive path forward and leave the toxic relationships behind.

On a Friday night, Afton hangs with besties: Sandy, Jennifer and Judy for dinner at Aubergine Kitchen in Mesa for healthy food and a friendly conversation. Midlife moments surround these four friends as they discuss the economy, retirement, working into the 60’s, family and trying to have faith to live in the moment.

Afton and Mitzi talk about a recent trip Afton had to Las Vegas to see The Wizard of Oz at The Sphere and Donny Osmond at Harrah’s. Mitzi is job hunting and looking for a positive career move. Afton reflects on her past teaching career and how the education system lacks meeting the needs of both teachers and students. When you find a purpose to make the world a better place you become fulfilled.

Afton and Mitzi recap their trip to SLC. As sisters in mid-life, they realize the strong personalities and dynamics of their adult relationships. Adults notice their own quirks on the autism spectrum that cause annoyances. The key is to do your best to adapt to the people you associate with to get along and have peace.

Mitzi and Afton travel through a blizzard to fly into SLC to visit her oldest sister Wendi. They make a stop in Pleasant Grove, Utah where their niece, Lindsay lives with her husband, Tucker, a bandmate in Coastal City. Lindsay shares their love story and what teaching is like a local private high school.

Afton and Mitzi review the Super Bowl 60 Halftime and the reputation we should want to have as Americans with a history and legacy our WW2 veterans left us. We also discuss the difficulties or working in sales jobs and looking at new careers in midlife where we want to have a good reputation.

Afton and Mitzi share their weekend, the busy and not so busy parts of life. Mitzi is ready to find a man to date and tells a few jokes. Gardening in Arizona is a nice grounding activity. Afton advises us to all take a break from commenting on social media when emotions are high. Remember the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Afton and Mitzi take a trip down memory lane that makes you laugh at life, the smart and stupid moments that made life seem so simple and easy. Is it good or bad to be an open book? What about gentle parenting? Does it affect who we become?

Afton and Mitzi follow up on New Year Resolutions, the balance of traveling and eating, and when your mind has a split personality about goals and feelings. At the end of the day, find ways to be grateful and life has a nice way of feeling content.

Afton visits her oldest child and only daughter, Hillary, who lives in Hawaii with her husband and three children. Afton and Hillary reminisce their mother/daughter memories of days gone by. What a beautiful gift to have a daughter as your best friend.

Afton and Mitzi face another year in their 50's. They talk about new year resolutions, NYE movies, and goals they've made to focus on the mind body and spirit. Have a happy and healthy 2026! May the world find peace.