The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40
Sometime around age 40 (+/-) you might start feeling like some part of your life no longer fits and you don't know what to do about it. It could be at work or at home - or simply inside of you. You might be asking questions like, "How did I get here?" Or, "Is this all there is?" "Is this what I've been working so hard for?" Or, "Why aren't I happier?"
Growing out of her own experience turning 40, Stephanie McLaughlin became captivated by the big “four oh,” and how people handle the milestone birthday.
On The Big Four Oh Podcast, Stephanie has conversations with people about their life experience around turning 40. This birthday often comes wrapped in larger life changes, whether it’s a newfound search for meaning, accepting your mortality, or shedding all those things you did because some external authority said you “should.”
Her mission is to make it common cultural knowledge that there IS a transition most of us face around age 40, and then showcase so many versions of that transition that every single person approaching, or recently turned, 40 with dread in their heart, knows that they are not alone.
I know you don't want to call it a midlife crisis, so I won't, but "if the glove fits, you must acquit." 😉
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 47 minutes
- Episodes
- 140
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Turning 40 and Using Astrology and Enneagram to Understand Your Personality ✨
Indra Rinzler is a healer and a teacher who has studied spiritual modalities for more than 50 years. He mainly works with astrology and Enneagram of Personality, which he explains in this episode. In…
Turning 40 and Using Mental Health Challenges and Resilience to Uncover a Life’s Purpose
When Carey Kirkella got pregnant at age 40, she had already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had survived two manic episodes, which - for her - are brought on by stress and lack of sleep. She…
Reflections: A Recurrence of the Ick
In a solo episode, Stephanie reflects on a recurrence of the Ick in her own life and what she’s doing to try to work her way through it.
Reflections: A Recurrence of the Ick
Sometimes you can do the w…
Turning 40 and Recognizing the Person in the Mirror Matters
After surviving a challenging childhood, David Richman achieved success as an executive at a Wall Street firm. His personal life, though, was a mess. He was a stressed out, overweight smoker with low…
Turning 40 and Realizing the Crushing Power of the Wrong Path
In this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Tara McFarland, a professional engineer who experienced a profound spiritual awakening and transformation in her forties. Tara shares her journe…
Turning 40 and Outgrowing Cobra Kai Energy🐍
Before becoming a champion for the podcasting industry, Larry Roberts had dreams of becoming a martial arts champion. A child of the ’80s and a fan of “The Karate Kid,” ninjas and the movies of Jean-…
Turning 40 and Learning the Importance of Place
In this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Sandy Demarest, who navigated a significant midlife transition from feeling lost and disconnected in Burlington, Vermont, to finding her communi…
Turning 40 and Breaking Generational Curses
In this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Annette Copeland, a naturopathic doctor whose journey through personal and health challenges led to profound life transformations. Annette share…
Turning 40 and Setting Your Soul on Fire 🔥
In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie sits down with April Provencher, a vibrant soul who navigated through a maze of life challenges to emerge triumphantly at the age of 40. April shares her journey …
Reflections: The Tools of Personal Growth
In a solo episode, Stephanie reflects the tools of personal growth. When people talk about “the tools” they use in their personal growth journeys, there isn't a standard set of tools that nobody told…
Turning 40 and Learning How to Tune Into - and Trust - Your Inner Voice
In this captivating episode, Stephanie sits down with Sarah Gale, a former fashion industry insider and reality TV personality from Project Runway Australia. Sarah shares her profound journey through…
Turning 40 and Learning to Respect Yourself
In this deeply moving episode, Stephanie sits down with Anthony Gonzalez, a man whose life story encapsulates a profound journey of transformation and self-discovery. From navigating the turbulent wa…
Turning 40 and Brainwashing Yourself into Positive Thinking
In this transformative episode, Stephanie sits down with Jem Fuller, a former corporate leader who shares his profound journey through a midlife awakening. From a tumultuous breakdown of his marriage…
Turning 40 and Stepping into the Unknown with Grace and Fortitude
In this deeply moving episode, Stephanie sits down with Anthony, a vibrant individual whose life took an unexpected turn after a diagnosis of four inoperable brain tumors. Originally from New Hampshi…
Turning 40 and Finding Connection Through 50 Fun Things™
In this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Teresa Thomas, a vibrant soul who transformed her midlife crisis into a life of joy and adventure. Teresa shares her journey from being a people-pl…
Reflections: my 30s and the Ick
In a solo episode, Stephanie reflects on her 30s and how the Ick, that feeling of things not being right, presented in her life.
Reflections: my 30s and the Ick
I’ve been talking a lot about the Ick t…
Turning 40 with Reckless Abandon and Building a Life Outside the Mainstream
In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Terre Short, a leadership coach and author who has carved a unique and adventurous path through life. From a high-flying career in hospitality to homeschooli…
Introducing “The Ick” and Looking Forward to Season 3
Introducing “The Ick” and Looking Forward to Season 3
Stephanie kicks off Season 3 by introducing “The Ick,” her characterization of that malaise, unease or discomfort we feel around age 40 and then p…
Turning 40 and Overcoming Being a People Pleaser
In this deeply inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Martin Salama, who navigated through immense personal and professional challenges to redefine his life's purpose. From the tragic loss of hi…
Turning 40 and Realizing Mental and Physical Health Are Inseparable
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Marc Paisant, a former college athlete who shares his transformative journey through the challenges of adulthood, weight gain, …