Episode 1: Is This It? What the Hell is HGL?

Where to Find this Episode:

Welcome to the Hella Good Livin podcast, where we celebrate women aged 35 and over by exploring the beautiful complexities and challenges of this life stage. We are your hosts, Tonya and Erin, two lifelong friends navigating the ups and downs beyond the mere concept of a “midlife crisis.” Instead, we delight in the notion of "more life."

Getting to Know Us

Before diving into the heart of our podcast, let's introduce ourselves. Both 52 years young, we’ve experienced a myriad of life circumstances that many women can relate to. Erin, an empty nester, balances a full-time job with the responsibility of caring for aging parents, reflecting the “sandwich generation.” Single after divorce, she candidly shares her journey of dating and self-discovery beyond long-term relationships.

Tonya, also 52, is a mother of three boys with a long-term, albeit imperfect, relationship post-divorce. As we explore our lives, we aim to find out that there's much more to life beyond what’s traditionally expected once you cross into your 50s.

Beyond Midlife: Exploring New Trajectories

The stereotype of midlife being a downhill trajectory doesn't sit well with us. In fact, we believe that embracing fewer external expectations brings an upward trajectory, where we define life on our own terms. Setting boundaries, seeking personal fulfillment, and pursuing joy are some philosophies we hold dear.

Meet Ellie: Our Podcast Companion

No introduction would be complete without mentioning Ellie, our podcast canine companion. Though she’s a bundle of anxiety, she’s a welcomed presence and a reminder that pets remain an integral part of our evolving family dynamics.

The Heart of the Matter: Navigating Life’s Challenges

In this podcast, we will delve into topics like parenting, dating after divorce, and everything related to perimenopause. We aim to address why these discussions are often shrouded in silence and how women can empower themselves with knowledge and community support.

Erin reflects on her experiences with empty nesting, work-life balance, and contemplating retirement. Meanwhile, Tonya shares the challenges of raising teenagers and confronting her own health and wellness amid perimenopausal changes.

Why We’re Here: A Supportive Community

Our journey is a shared experience, prompting us to create this space for women who might feel isolated or unheard. We know the importance of having a confidant, someone to bounce ideas off on this journey. Although we’re both divorced, the hurdles we face are universal to many women irrespective of their relationship status.

The podcast isn’t about toxic positivity or numbing escapism; it’s rooted in honest, vulnerable conversations accompanied by humor and camaraderie. We’re also keen on busting myths, particularly in how the healthcare system approaches women’s health.

What to Expect: Brief, Insightful Episodes

We know your time is precious. Our episodes are designed to accompany your morning commute or a quiet moment in your day. While conversations might take different directions, we aim for them to be authentic, concise, and full of life lessons and laughter.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to engage with us—share your stories, ask questions, and suggest topics. Our goal is to create a community where you feel like part of the conversation. While we may not have all the answers, we’re committed to research-driven insights and shared resources to support you.

Share and Subscribe

We’re excited about this journey and would love for you to share this podcast with the women in your life. Whether they’re facing similar challenges or seeking companionship on their journey, let’s expand this circle of support and understanding.

Cheers to embarking on this exciting ride with us. We can’t wait for you to join the Hella Good Livin family. Subscribe, share, and let’s thrive together!