The Houes of Middlescence with Barbara Brooks

Where Are the Men? Dating at 50 When You’re Solo, Curious

Yeah, dating in midlife is very much a thing, and I’m living proof and getting real about what it’s like to date as a solo-ager at 58, what the dating landscape really looks like today, and where the heck we’re supposed to meet our humans.
From the app gap to curated connection spaces (and a few “no thanks” gym moments), I’m not holding back.
This one’s for the women, the solo-agers, the late bloomers, and anyone ready to say: “It’s our time.” Because it is. Let’s talk about finding love in the second (or third) act, with intention, humor, and high standards.
Find me on YouTube too! My channel is for women who know life doesn’t come with an expiration date. Around here, we’re flipping the script on aging, career pivots, and what it means to live fully in your prime.
If you’re ready to mix life in the middle with a little fun, a little grit, and a whole lot of real talk, you’re in the right place. We’re Aging Out Loud, and the best chapters are still ahead.
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📧 Get on my Aging Out Loud monthly newsletter here lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
📢 Find me on socials:
https:/linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks 
https://instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https:/youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks 
👉🏽 Find My Community for Women 40+ SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen

7 Essentials for Living Solo at 50+

Over 50 and living solo? You're not alone—and it’s not a downgrade. It’s a power move.
 
I share 7 smart, soulful, and handy rules for living alone after 50, after having done it for most of my adult life. From getting rid of outdated expectations for people "our age" to staying healthy, connected, and curious, this is your no-fluff, pro-age guide to thriving solo in midlife.
 
Timestamps
0:00 – Why living alone after 50 is a growing reality
1:30 – Rule #1: Prioritize safety – from locks to emergency plans 2:45 – Rule #2: Get your finances in order – budgeting for one
4:00 – Rule #3: Build your support system – community is key
5:15 – Rule #4: Prioritize your wellness – body and mind routines
6:30 – Rule #5: Make your home your sanctuary – create joy in your space
7:45 – Rule #6: Embrace growth – try new things and stretch yourself
9:00 – Rule #7: Reflect and celebrate – this is your time
 
10:15 – Final thoughts: Living alone doesn’t mean being lonely
 
📣 Drop a comment: What’s your #1 rule for living alone? 
 
Subscribe for more real talk about solo aging, middlescence, reinvention, and aging out loud.
 
#LivingAloneAfter50 #SoloAging #WomenOver50 #AgingOutLoud #GenXWomen #SecondActLife #LifeAfter50 #SingleAfter50 #MidlifeWomen

5 Ways to Get Back in the Room: We’re Not Too Old—We’re Just Left Out:

Feel like you're getting passed over, tuned out, or just plain left out after 40? You’re not imagining it—but you’re also not powerless.
In this episode of The House of Middlescence, I’m giving you 5 bold, doable ways to get seen, heard, and back in the room where opportunities happen. Whether you’re rebuilding your career, launching something new, or reclaiming your seat at the table, you’ll want these in your toolkit.
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro1:09 – Why You’re Not the Problem2:33 – Tip #1: Reintroduce Yourself4:05 – Tip #2: Show Up Where You’re Not Expected5:38 – Tip #3: Build a Brand, Not Just a Resume7:12 – Tip #4: Ask for the Mic8:36 – Tip #5: Make Bold Moves Daily10:07 – Final Thoughts + Call to Action
This isn’t your average pep talk. It’s your next bold step.
Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooksLinktree: https://linktr.ee/HeyBarbarabrooks
Share this with a woman who needs to be seen, will ya'?
#AgingOutLoud #SecondActWomen #MidlifeMomentum #LifeAfter40 #TheHouseOfMiddlescence #CareerAfter40 #PersonalBranding #WomenInBusiness

They Don’t Work Like You Do—Now What?

Are you feeling like you're working on different planets with your coworkers? You’re not alone—and it’s not about age, it’s about unspoken assumptions and clashing communication styles.
Age-positive speaker and SecondActWomen founder Barbara Brooks breaks down how to navigate multigenerational teams without losing your mind (or your cool).
Whether you’re Gen Z, Gen X, or somewhere in between, this is your guide to better collaboration, communication, and leadership—especially if you’re a woman 40+ rewriting what success looks like.
Timestamps
00:00 – Why Working Across Generations Feels So Hard
01:00 – Who Is Barbara Brooks? (And Why She Gets This)
02:40 – The Real Issue Isn’t Age. It’s Expectations.
04:00 – Stories From the Community
06:30 – The Midlife Power Plan (Free Resource)
📥 Download the Free Midlife Power Plan: 7 smart shifts to help you make your next move with purpose.
➡️ https://www.secondactwomen.com Or email Barbara directly at: barbara@bloomcopresents.com
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📺 My channel is for women 40+ who know life doesn’t come with an expiration date. Around here, we’re flipping the script on aging, career pivots, and what it means to live fully in your prime. If you’re ready to mix reinvention with a little fun, a little grit, and a whole lot of real talk, you’re in the right place. We’re Aging Out Loud, and the best chapters are still ahead.
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📧 Get on my Aging Out Loud monthly newsletter here lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
 
📢 Find me on socials: https:/.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
👉🏽 Find My Community for Women 40+ SecondAct|Women on socials

Master These 5 Game-changing Power Moves For #WomenOver40

Feeling invisible, undervalued, and overlooked as a #womanover40? You're not alone. I'm sharing 5 actionable tips to help you take back control of your visibility, show up unapologetically, and achieve your goals. You'll: ✨ Discover the surprising truth about women over 40 in entrepreneurship ✨ Learn how to overcome age-related biases and get the recognition you deserve ✨ Get actionable tips on owning your story, speaking up, boosting your personal brand, leveraging your network, and being consistent
Chapters:
03:25 Tip 1: Own Your Story. Confidently share your wins, lessons, and expertise.
06:21 Tip:2: Speak Up, Sister. Let your voice be heard in a meeting, a social post, or a conversation.
09:23 Tip 3: Own Your Personal Brand: Define what you stand for and ensure every action aligns with it.
13:21 Tip 4: Leverage Your Network: Collaborate, connect, and support others.
15:44 Tip 5: Be Consistent: Visibility isn’t a one-time act; it’s a habit.
Subscribe to my channel for more #entrepreneurship and career'ing in the #secondact.
#visibilitymatters #womenover40 #secondact #entrepreneurship #careergoals #proage
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢Find Barbara on socials: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/ https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/ https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist

My Facebook Was Hacked and They Took Over My Identity

You open Facebook one day, and changes have happened—only you didn't make them, and now your profile picture, cover photo, name, or other personal information is all different. You've been hacked and no longer have access to your digital life—ever again. On average, 1.4 billion social media accounts are hacked every month, 
Today's guest, Michelle Vos, had her second act happen to her versus making the choice. She'll share her story of grief, guidance, and today's gift, plus seven things to do if it happens to you.
 
Watch this and other episodes on YouTube too at https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
 
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
 
The 40s are fabulous. 50s are fierce. 60+ is a force. 👩🏽👩🏼🧔🏼‍♀️👩🏻👩‍🦰 
 
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
 
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist

From Deaf to Defying the Odds: Three Time Cancer Survivor and Her New Disability

Three-time cancer survivor Lori Frisher shares her new disability journey, having already been living being deaf with two Cochlear implants.
July was Disability Pride Month, and this thriver and second-acter at 51 has recently 'rang the bell' receiving the "all clear" on her latest bought with cancer. Since her October diagnosis, she's been on a ride in her new life's journey. It's one for the books, having now taken on a new disability in the wake of her survival. But if you know this advocate and speaker on adding #Ableism to #DEIinitiatives, you know she's resilient and coming back stronger than before.
Listen to her story in my latest talk or watch her tell it on YouTube  youtube.com/barbarabrooks.
Find Lori Frisher at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorifrisher/
https://linktr.ee/readyornotmedia
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
 
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
 
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist

Girl, Get UnSTUCK with Equus Coaching

You're burned out and stuck in life, your career, and everything; sometimes, it's hard to get unstuck. Add a little horseplay to your life. That'll help you.
Today, we're talking about Equus coaching, also known as horse-assisted coaching. Our guest, Nancy McKay, knows all about it, and by that, I mean she was stuck until she herself took a journey from being an alcoholic to sober living, all through horseplay and coaching. Horses can particularly benefit women over 40 who feel stuck in life.
Nancy can be found at https://amazingoutlookcoaching.com/
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
 
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
 
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist

Adult ADHD and Autism Diagnosis'. We're Celebrating Our #Disabilities!

It's #disability Pride Month, and we're celebrating our #neurodivergent brains. Both of us were diagnosed our late 40s and 50s, and it's been life-changing.
There's that one friend who seems like they're never paying attention, cutting you off when you speak and sometimes moody, but you don't know why. Or the friend who seems always annoyed in certain situations and environments, but you love them anyway and say, that's just her. Today, we're talking about our late "age" ADHD and Autism #neurodiversity diagnoses we both received at 56 and 48 years old.
Catch Chrysta here at Live Work Play http://www.liveandlovework.com
📢 Find Barbara on socials: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/ https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/ https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen

Women 40+ and Depression. We're Talking About It

12.3% of women aged 40–59 have the highest rate of depression of any group in the United States according to the CDC.
We're taking the shame out of our game! Mental health should be expressed, and #SecondActWomen licensed therapist Sarah Senst and former school principal Melanie Moreno, turned entrepreneur, talked to me about it.
1. Get the stats to know you're not alone
2. Hear from the three of us who've had our own mental health journeys
3. Get practical #mentalhealth tips from Sara, including the RIGHT way to journal. (Here's a Link to her podcast for more explanation on journaling: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/encore-living-your-best-second-act/id1619706734?i=1000625204771.) We're framing depression, giving tips, and dropping truth bombs from our own admissions.
We got you if you can relate! If you are struggling and want to check if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, take an online mental health screen here: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/depression
Call 988 if you or someone you know has Suicidal Ideation or is feeling down.
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Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
 
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
 
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
 
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist