In The Middle Podcast

Midlife has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One day you’re celebrating how resilient, wise, and capable you’ve become, and the next you’re staring in the mirror wondering, Who is that with the frizz, wrinkles, and uneven skin? In this episode of In the Middle, Josh and Sarah get real about the changes that come with aging: physically, emotionally, and culturally. From the pressures men and women...

Midlife shows up differently for men and women in our biology, emotions, and, spirituality. In this episode, we break down how “the change” isn’t just about hormones, but also identity, purpose, energy, and expectations. We talk about what’s happening in our bodies, what we’re wrestling with in our souls, and how those inner and outer shifts sometimes lead to confusion, conflict, or unexpected con...

Ever tried to watch a show with your spouse and ended up watching separate screens from opposite ends of the couch? In this episode, we talk about what it really means when couples can’t sync their schedules, sleep cycles, or streaming tastes. Of course, this is about more than watching shows. It’s really about connection. We’ll share our own hilarious fails, some sneaky ways we’ve learned to reco...

In this episode, we unpack how vacations shift in midlife—from spontaneous adventures to carefully choreographed family productions. With kids, changes in physical abilities, marriage dynamics, and work pressures in the mix, “getting away” now comes with baggage, both literal and emotional. We explore why rest can feel elusive, how our expectations get hijacked, and what our vacations say about wh...

This week, we're diving into a strange midlife phenomenon: picking up a hobby you never saw coming. Why do grown men suddenly get into bird watching, espresso science, or pickleball? Why do women rediscover their love of painting, piano, or gardening? It turns out, there’s real science behind it. From neurological shifts to psychological needs, this episode breaks down why so many of us pick u...

In this episode, we start with a sad update in the Siders household. Then, we pick up where we left off—right after that slow-burn spark finally caught fire. Part two of our love story takes you through our dating season, the moment we knew this was  it , and what those early steps toward marriage really looked like. We’re talking proposals (yep, the story behind that one), planning a wedding when...

In this episode, we're going back (way back) 18 years to where our story first began. We're sharing how we met, what we really thought of each other at first (spoiler: not exactly love at first sight), and the unexpected series of events that brought us together. From awkward early conversations to the surprising spark that slowly started to form, this is part one of our two-part love stor...

In this episode, we’re talking about more than spring cleaning. We’re digging into the deeper layers—the habits, roles, beliefs, and emotional clutter that pile up over the years. Midlife has a way of forcing the question: What still fits? Together, we unpack the process of letting go. Not just of physical stuff, but of outdated identities, inherited expectations, and the quiet fears we’ve been ca...

In this episode, we take a nostalgic walk down memory lane, back to the 1980s: a time when kids roamed the neighborhood on bikes until the streetlights came on, played unsupervised for hours, and learned life skills through scraped knees and spontaneous adventures. We unpack the benefits of that free-range childhood and ask what we’ve gained—and lost—since then. We talk about how cultural shifts,...

In this week’s episode, we dive into the power and necessity of a  midlife mission reset . Midlife brings a shift—kids may be growing up, careers evolving, and long-held identities being reexamined. It's a natural time to pause, reflect, and ask:  What’s my purpose now?   Together, we explore how to discern a renewed mission that aligns with your current values, passions, and life realities. W...

In this episode, we’re raising a glass to all the late bloomers out there—you know who you are! Whether you’ve just started a new career, picked up a paintbrush for the first time since middle school, or finally figured out what you actually want out of life (hello, boundaries and better coffee), we’re diving deep into what it means to blossom on your own timeline. We share our own stories of late...

In this episode, things heat up—and not just because our thermostat is mysteriously stuck at 65. Sarah quizzes Josh about all things menopause. Think of it as a pop quiz with no studying, no mercy, and plenty of gentle correction. Does he know what estrogen actually does? Can he define perimenopause without using the words “vibes” or “probably hormones”? Is “I’m just a little warm” code for “I’m a...

In this episode, we open up about the seductive pull of nostalgia during midlife—the highlight reels, the “what ifs,” and the days we romanticize. Together, we unpack how looking back can quietly keep us stuck and how to honor the past without living in it. And we explore practical ways to stay grounded in the present and energized for what’s ahead. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Those wer...

In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of mentors during midlife transitions--people who can provide valuable guidance, perspective, and wisdom, helping us navigate complex decisions in our careers, faith, and family life. But when we don’t actively seek out mentors, we risk feeling stuck or overwhelmed. We discuss the consequences of not having a mentor, including missed opportunities...

In this episode, we tackle a growing crisis—loneliness. Studies show that loneliness can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, yet so many of us struggle to build and maintain deep connections. Midlife brings shifts in friendships, family dynamics, and community ties, making this the perfect time to rethink how we invest in relationships. We discuss how to cultivate friendshi...

Midlife isn’t the dream vacation you signed up for—it’s the trip you never even thought you'd have to take. In this episode, we unpack the unexpected detours, losses, and shifts that hit hard in your 40s and 50s—things like career pivots, changing bodies, coping skills, and questions about who you really are now. We’ll walk you through four specific places we all visit (briefly, we hope), why...

In this episode, we’re diving into the midlife faith shift—the quiet (or not-so-quiet) evolution of our beliefs as we grow, question, and redefine what spirituality means to us. Maybe the faith that once felt like a solid foundation now feels more like a renovation project. Or perhaps you're discovering a deeper, more personal connection beyond old structures. We’ll explore the doubts, the revelat...

In this episode, we get real about the things we've outgrown in midlife—whether it's chasing approval, tolerating toxic relationships, or pretending we enjoy all the latest trends. We laugh (and maybe cringe just a bit) at our past selves while embracing the wisdom that comes with age. What have you realized you're too old for?--maybe social media drama to uncomfortable shoes, we’re al...

Midlife isn’t the end of the road—it’s a pivot point. In this episode, Josh and Sarah dive into the power of reinvention, exploring why change isn’t just possible but necessary. Whether you’re facing career shifts, evolving relationships, or a need for personal growth, we’ll discuss practical strategies to break free from stagnation, embrace new opportunities, and redefine your purpose. It’s time...

Have you hit your peak, or is that just midlife playing mind games with you? In this episode, we tackle the unsettling fear that your best days are in the rearview mirror. Spoiler: They’re not. We’ll unpack why this season of life is actually your prime, how to break free from the “I’ve plateaued” mindset, and what it takes to rediscover purpose, passion, and possibility—because your story is far...

We're back with part 2 of What I Wish I'd Know, a conversation where we look back at our recent history and consider what advice would have been helpful to know. In the previous episode, we talked about what people told us but we just didn't listen or internalize it. Now, we talk about things we don't remember anybody saying. What do you wish you would have known? We'd love to...

We've all looked back at our life before and thought , "Why didn't I know to do that!" or even, "Why didn't anyone warn about that?" Join Sarah and Josh in their latest episode as they both talk about the things they look back on and wonder why certain pieces of good advice didn't stick. For more resources, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co

What makes extrinsic motivation so different from intrinsic motivation? And why should we make the move from one to the other? In this episode, we talk about job changes, which voices to listen to, and why it's important to know yourself well enough to make those tough decisions we all need to make. For more resources, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co

Have you watched "It's a Wonderful Life" lately? Why does this movie hit so hard in midlife? We watched it recently as a family and found ourselves floored by the message. Join us as we talk about our take-aways and explore why this movie is different from what comes out in the theaters today. For more resources, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co

Questions can be powerful, even sometimes dangerous because they can uncover what's under the surface of our lives. In Episode 11, we talk about a powerful question we can ask ourselves, especially at the beginning of a new year so we can reprioritize what's important to ourselves. To find Sarah's 11 Powerful Questions Journal and to jump into her Clarity and Mindset Workshop, visit: - facebook.co...