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In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris dive into the powerful theme of returning to oneself and rediscovering authenticity. They explore how many people, in their younger years, disconnect from their true selves—often using coping mechanisms that become unsustainable in midlife. Drawing from insights by Brené Brown and Mel Robbins, they discuss midlife as a reckoning, a time to shed facades and embrace vulnerability.

Chris shares his deeply personal journey, beginning with a life-altering event in 1992 when he was sent away from home for over two years. He reflects on the emotional impact of separation, feelings of abandonment, and how these early experiences shaped his adult life, leading to patterns of disconnection and self-doubt. His story unfolds through career struggles, the weight of imposter syndrome, and the heartbreaking estrangement from his daughters.

A turning point comes during a backcountry skiing trip in the remote Chic-Chocs of Quebec, where Chris is forced to confront his fears and embrace vulnerability. This experience sparks a transformation—leading him to reassess his values, prioritize authenticity, and build deeper connections with his community.

Morgan and Chris emphasize the power of storytelling, the importance of support systems, and how embracing authenticity can lead to profound personal growth. Tune in for an honest, raw conversation about resilience, midlife shifts, and the messy, necessary work of coming home to yourself.

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Morgan and Chris take on the midlife struggle with comparison, exploring how it shows up in careers, parenting, relationships, and personal growth. In a world where social media fuels self-doubt, they share personal stories about recognizing comparison, its impact, and how they manage it.

But comparison doesn’t just steal joy—it weakens connection and stifles creativity. The hosts discuss how this mindset can be unconsciously passed down to our kids, keep us chasing external validation, and prevent us from embracing our authentic selves.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Morgan and Chris open up about their own experiences and how they work through comparison in everyday life. The big takeaway? Letting go of comparison isn’t just freeing—it allows you (and everyone around you) to shine.

Covered in this episode:
How comparison in midlife impacts self-worth and relationships
The role of social media and external validation in fueling self-doubt
How comparison affects parenting
Why breaking free from comparison fosters authenticity and connection

Mentioned in this episode: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – Get the book here

Join the conversation on midlife, self-acceptance, and embracing the messiness of real life: Chime in via their home page www.themidlifemud.com/contact

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In this episode of Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris take a look at the relationship between midlife adults and screen time. From endless social media scrolling to streaming binges and fear-driven LinkedIn usage, they share personal stories about how screens often become addictive escapes from the challenges of midlife.

Inspired by Dr. Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, the hosts explore how the constant pursuit of instant gratification through screens can create harmful addiction cycles. Morgan reflects on how social media has become a way for her to check out, while Chris opens up about using Netflix as a distraction from addressing personal challenges.

Rather than offering quick fixes, Morgan and Chris candidly discuss their ongoing efforts to navigate their own screen habits and addictions. Through humor and honesty, they reflect on the messy process of balancing digital distractions with the demands and opportunities of midlife.

If you’ve ever wondered how your screen time might be affecting your well-being, creativity, or sense of purpose, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the complexities of midlife, growth, and connection – with or without our screens.

Discover Dr. Anna Lembke's book, Dopamine Nation, here.