The Midlife Mess And Why We feel Like Sharing Ours
- Barbara Stratte
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Why We Started a Podcast: Because Life Got Loud, Messy, Funny… and Too Real Not to Share
It started, like most things do, in the thick of it.
We were sitting on the couch one night—exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure if we were doing any of this "midlife" thing right. The kids were upstairs, mid-hormone tornado. My 89-year-old mom had just moved in with us. Bryan was trying to juggle work and sanity, and I was one emotional group text away from losing it.
So, we did something crazy: we sat down and talked. Like, really talked. And then we hit record.
Not because we had all the answers (which we absolutely do not). But because we knew—we felt—that we couldn’t be the only ones living in this wild, beautiful chaos called the “messy middle.”
The Messy Middle Is Real
Middle age is weird, isn’t it? You’re not old, but you’re definitely not young. Your kids need you, but in ways that aren’t always clear. Your parents suddenly… really need you. Your marriage needs tending. Your body needs naps. Your brain needs a break.

We realized we were holding so much—parenting, caregiving, work, emotions—and barely holding it together. And no one really talks about this part of life. Not honestly, anyway.
So we started talking. And laughing. And crying. And sharing all of it:✔️ Teenagers in full hormonal flight✔️ Caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s✔️ Miscommunication, meltdowns, and marriage in real time✔️ Those laugh-out-loud moments that somehow save you✔️ And the quiet, gut-punch scenes that change you
And we knew... this was the podcast.
You’re Not Alone in This
We didn’t start this podcast to be experts. We started it to be real. To say what so many of us are thinking but don’t say out loud. To share the absurd, tender, overwhelming moments that make up this season of life.
Because when you’re in it—really in it—it can feel like everyone else has it more together than you. But friend, they don’t. No one does. We’re all just doing our best to love well, survive the chaos, and maybe find a little magic in the madness.
Our hope is that each episode feels like your spending time with friends. Like a hug. Like your favorite sweatshirt. Comforting. Familiar. Honest.
You might laugh. You might cry. You’ll probably relate a lot. But most importantly? You won’t feel alone.
This Podcast is For You If...
You’ve ever asked yourself, “Is it just me?”
You’re raising kids while caring for your aging parents
You’ve forgotten what day it is but know your mom’s med schedule by heart
You’ve had to mute a Zoom call because of a teenager meltdown in the background
You’ve wondered how love still shows up… even in the middle of the mess
We Call It Middle Age Management—But Really, It’s Just Life
So whether you're in the carpool line, taking a walk, or hiding in the bathroom for five blessed minutes of peace—come hang out with us.
We're not perfect. We're just people trying to find the funny, the heartfelt, and the “okay, maybe we’ll survive this after all” moments in a life that rarely slows down.
Thanks for being here. We’re so glad you are.
🎙️ Middle Age Management—now streaming wherever you listen to podcasts (and yes, on YouTube too).
Please Follow the show Share with friends and Subscribe on YouTube and we hope you feel seen and Enjoy!
Big Midlife Hugs,
Barbara
I’m here to walk it with you. Whether you’re just noticing the signs or knee-deep in decisions, there’s support for everystage.
How I can help you:
Book a 1-on-1 Guidance Session or a Care Chat with me at TheSandwichedGen.com. We’ll talk it through, map out a plan, and lighten the load.
📘 Want a clear step-by-step roadmap?
Get my eBook:When Roles Reverse: A Roadmap for Caring for Aging ParentsIt’s packed with practical tips to help you:
Know when and how to step in
Have hard conversations with less stress
Respect their independence while ensuring their care
Avoid the chaos of last-minute decisions
👉 Grab your copy here.
📲 And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @BarbaraStratte
I share daily encouragement, real-life tools, and truths you won’t find in a medical pamphlet.
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