Sharing The Middle

This one got big in the best way. We started with Lacey's shame story about being called "too dramatic" as a kid — and somewhere along the way, we landed on silk robes, talk show beds, and the power of living your life out loud. Turns out, when you're told your feelings are too much, you learn to shrink. And when you shrink long enough, you start to believe the universe doesn't want big things for...

We're starting something new on No Shame in Our Game. Sara turns the mic around and Lacey becomes the guest, and we're kicking off with the word Lacey uses to beat herself up that she hasn't done nearly as much work on as the other one: dramatic . Big feelings, where they come from, what it costs to spend years making yourself smaller so other people are more comfortable. We went two episodes on t...

In this mini check‑in, I’m sharing a very real slice of my midlife: RSV running through our house, living with ME/CFS, and parenting a baby who does not believe in sleep. Instead of pretending everything is fine and polished, I’m talking honestly about what it looks like to keep showing up for Sharing the Middle when planning conversations with guests feels nearly impossible. I walk you through a...

I sat down with my dad to talk about where my love of Christmas decorations actually comes from. I learned so much, and also realized lots of ways my attitude toward Christmas decor can help me with my other messy middles We traced it back to his childhood in Cincinnati, going downtown to see the massive Christmas window displays. Then to the era of cutting down trees so big they had to be shoved...

Three years ago this Halloween, my life changed forever. What started as unexplained fatigue became an ME/CFS diagnosis that reshaped everything—my career, my body, my future. But then came the plot twist I never saw coming: an IUD pregnancy that actually improved my symptoms. In this deeply personal anniversary episode, I'm sharing the full story—from the Halloween 2022 moment I realized somethin...

I talk with Magalie René about rebuilding her business after getting diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I loved this conversation because of the fact that I have hypothyroidism. We're dealing with opposite thyroid issues, but so much of what she's going through landed for me. Magalie ended up in the ER three times with racing heart and anxiety attacks before she finally asked for a thyroid panel hers...

Welcome to No Shame in Our Game: Where self-help meets community support. This is the podcast that doesn't care about the right step, just your next step. Not sure how to start a budget? Need help with home systems? Wondering about etiquette or boundaries? We're Sara and Lacey, your loving aunties who care about how your life feels, not how it looks. We're co-founders of the Joyful Support Movemen...

Welcome to No Shame in Our Game! We are evolving from No Shame in the Home Game, and putting it on steroids (in a good way, not like a roid rage way). We're expanding from home management questions to being your resource for anything in life where you're not sure where to turn. Not sure how to set up a laundry system? Ask us. Not sure how to start a family budget? Ask us. Not sure about the etique...

I sit down with Dr. Catrina Mitchum to hear about her journey through multiple sclerosis diagnosis while balancing academic demands, motherhood, and career transitions. We explore the challenges of recognizing chronic illness symptoms when life is already demanding, how healthcare providers sometimes miss critical signs, and finding clarity through articulating our experiences. Catrina shares how...

I sit down with Genevieve Dreizen, co-founder of Fresh Start Registry, for a candid conversation about rediscovering yourself after a long-term relationship ends and finding unexpected love across the ocean. In this episode, Jenny shares her remarkable journey from a 10-year relationship that wasn't quite right to meeting her now-husband through a chance encounter in a Scottish museum—a story stra...

In this conversation, I sit down with Jana G. (known as Janaandbooks or Lady Whistle Threads across social media) to discuss something we rarely talk about openly - setting boundaries while living with chronic illness. Jana shares her journey with long COVID and ME/CFS, offering a glimpse into the reality of navigating life with limited energy reserves. We dive deep into the challenges of graduate...

In this special episode of "Sharing the Middle," I share my top 10 lessons learned from being in the messy middle of life… and that maybe I don’t dislike the middle as much as before? I talk about how being uncomfortable is actually okay (though it took me forever to learn this), and that emotions aren't good or bad - they're just information. One of my biggest revelations: the quickest way throug...

In this episode, Joe and I dive deep into the joys and challenges of parenting, particularly with our growing family after welcoming our third child! We discuss how we're managing surprisingly well with a newborn and two older kids - we're actually getting sleep (miracle of miracles!) and taking care of our mental health. We explore the importance of giving kids tools to become independent adults...

The inaugural episode of Joy Moments elucidates the profound significance of small moments shared among individuals, which, as we contend, create ripples of joy that can transcend the mundane. Sara and I, Lacey, embark on this journey to explore the concept of joy, not as an exclusive focus on positivity but as an essential counterbalance to life's inevitable challenges, which we refer to metaphor...

Lacey opens up about her journey through pregnancy, sharing her experiences as a soon-to-be mother while managing chronic illness. At 31 weeks pregnant, she reflects on the challenges and triumphs she's faced, highlighting that this pregnancy has been easier than her previous ones due to better management of her nausea and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, she candidly discusses the toll pr...

Lacey welcomes Heather Vickery to the podcast for an enlightening conversation that dives deep into the realms of human design, personal transformation, and the journey toward embracing authenticity. Heather, a transformational success coach, shares her unique approach to helping individuals lead from a place of joy and empowerment. The discussion highlights the significance of human design as a t...

Lacey’s conversation with Amy Kemp is a deep dive into the intricacies of navigating life's challenges, especially in the context of personal goals and societal expectations. The dialogue begins with Lacey’s lighthearted introduction, where she shares her triumphs of the week, before transitioning into more profound topics surrounding ambitions and the everyday struggles of motherhood, health, and...

Jori O'Neal shares her powerful journey through identity, motherhood, and the complexities of navigating different cultural spaces in this heartfelt conversation. We delve into her experiences of being a minority in predominantly different environments and the emotional toll it has taken on her. Jori opens up about the struggles of shape-shifting to fit in while simultaneously trying to embrace he...

Lacey and Joe dive into the complexities of marriage and the importance of celebrating their relationship on a special trip, a long-awaited journey that symbolizes their commitment. As they discuss the ups and downs of travel—especially for Lacy, who is navigating chronic illness and pregnancy—listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences with the messy middle of life. The couple empha...

Kandice Shaw shares her powerful journey of navigating the complexities of caregiving and personal growth through yoga. As a yoga teacher and trainer, she reflects on the emotional challenges of caring for her grandparents while striving to pursue her passion for yoga. The conversation delves into the messy middle of life, highlighting the struggle of balancing different identities and responsibil...

Join me in this heartfelt episode of 'Sharing the Middle' where I chat with Shannon Klein, also known as Shannon K, a coach who helps inspire and encourage women. Together, we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of health, chronic illness, and motherhood. Shannon shares her personal journey through a debilitating chronic illness, how it transformed her life, and the importance of loving you...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to reconnect with my friend, Zac Owens. We dive into the concept of 'exploring different parts of ourselves' through meaningful conversations, highlighting how interactions with Zac always bring out the best in me. We discuss the beauty of embracing quirks, the importance of turning lived experiences into wisdom, and the joys of curiosity. Zac shares his insights on l...

Welcome to this special solo episode of 'Sharing the Middle' with Lacey. In this heartfelt update, I share big news about my unexpected pregnancy despite having an IUD. Join me as I discuss the complexities and messiness of this middle phase, from the joy and excitement to the fears and anxieties, particularly given my chronic illness. I delve into my experiences and struggles with gestational dia...

In this episode, I dive back into our regular interview format with the inspiring Josi Dumont. We discuss Josi's journey from a high-flying corporate career through a tumultuous 'messy middle' period, characterized by burnout, toxic relationships, and career upheavals. Josi opens up about her transition to becoming a successful leadership and mindset coach, author, and podcast host. We also touch...

In this episode of 'Sharing the Middle,' I, Lacey, your friend and guide in life's messy middles, dive into a delightful and heartfelt conversation with my two oldest nieces, Brhi and Grace. We explore the nuances of being part of a large, close-knit family, the roles we play, and how traditions and dynamics shift over time. Through our talk, we reflect on the influences of significant family memb...