Never waste a hurt 🫶. Speak up. Share your story.

Karen Stones gets real about vulnerability in this honest episode of ThirtyFiveSixtyFour. Ever tried being truly vulnerable with someone, only to realize you were just reciting a script? Karen has. For 2025, she’s challenging herself—and her middle-aged listeners—to move beyond surface-level connections. She shares raw stories: opening up about her perimenopause struggles to an old friend (who immediately responded “me too”) and admitting her parenting failures to her hairstylist. But who deserves to see your true self? Not everyone. “Choose wisely,” she warns.

Have you been avoiding difficult conversations with people who matter? Karen believes we need fewer Instagram acquaintances and more genuine connections. She asks listeners to identify the safe people in their lives and take a risk. Share something hard. Feel that racing heart. The payoff? Deep connection. And your vulnerability might just help someone else navigate their own midlife challenges. After all, isn’t that what we’re all looking for at this stage—to be seen, flaws and all, and still be loved? ___________________________

About ThirtyFiveSixtyFour | A Podcast for the Middle: ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is a middle age podcast for listeners between the ages of 35 and 64. Available on all major podcast platforms, the show offers an engaging journey through the various challenges and experiences of middle age. ThirtyFiveSixtyFour represents a distinct departure from the traditional midlife crisis storyline. Instead, it champions the perspective that middle age should be viewed as a period marked by play, discovery, transformation and possibility. So, subscribe and get ready to join show host Karen Stones and the ThirtyFiveSixtyFour regulars for both serious and fun conversations around living middle age to the fullest. After all… it's not too late. You're not too old. And you're definitely NOT dead.

___________________________

___________________________

Read our middle age blogs and access detailed show notes for ThirtyFiveSixtyFour:

___________________________

Follow us on social for middle age inspiration:

[MatthewJohnson-ye]

I completely agree. Let's normalize opening up with our friends and loved ones.

[AbigailW]

When my friend told me about her journey with Ozempic, which was hard for her, I really appreciated it.

[StacyYoung-oph]

Such a great message through all phases of life!!