Episodes

Today's guest shares her story of a husband who left during MLC, peeked out of the tunnel for a moment but went back in, married his affair partner and now has a child with her. Is he trapped? It sure feels like it. Today's guest is brave, humorous and continues to see the glass half full. She's a strong woman and here's her story.

Happily married mother of 3, Laurie McDermott is a fearless Marriage & Family advocate who uses humor from 2.5 decades of standup comedy to enlighten and entertain loyal fans and followers on her podcast, YouTube and websites: TheWifeExpert.com and TheLifeExpert.com.  Award winning Columnist in dozens of publications, Laurie is an author, Love4Life Educator, and appears regularly on dozens of television shows, podcasts and popular radio programs sharing true life wisdom. With degrees from Loyola University of Chicago, USC, The WC Institute, and Post Grad Studies in Wellness at Yale, Brain Science at Amen, Laurie’s endless curiosity about life, love, marriage is infectious. Also appearing monthly on popular “Marriage with Joy,” and “Divorce with Integrity,” shows, Laurie’s monthly column "Hope" syndicated in southern CA is spreading, demonstrates Laurie’s passion and belief that everything and anything is possible!

This podcast episode sheds light on the tumultuous experience of a midlife crisis, often overlooked as mere cliché. It delves into the role of 'flying monkeys,' or enablers, who support narcissistic behaviors and false narratives during personal upheavals like divorce. The host explores cognitive dissonance and why individuals may align with these destabilizing storylines. Additionally, the discussion touches on the devastating emotional impact of betrayal and how these narratives can isolate an...

What's it like when a covert narcissist ends up experiencing mid life crisis? In a nutshell, they still do the typical MLC behavior, discard, rewriting history, smear campaigns of their former partner, but do they emerge a happier, healthier person? Or do they continue with another version of a mask? Find out today as we discuss covert narcissism and how it faces MLC.

In this podcast episode, the host discusses the often underestimated severity of a midlife crisis (MLC), likening its symptoms to depression and identity crises. The episode features Jane, who recounts her marriage unraveling after 29 years due to her husband's affair with her best friend. Despite the betrayal and the restrictions of the COVID lockdown, which severely limited avenues for counseling and healing, Jane manages to find happiness and rebuild her life. The story highlights the psychol...

Join us for PART TWO with Kenda-Ruth Stumpf! Please see below for links: Free Resources Understanding Midlife Crisis Free Online Video Course Quiz: How Can I Tell if my Spouse is Having a Midlife Crisis? The Hero’s Spouse Forum The Hero’s Spouse Private Facebook Group MLC Q&A on Facebook and YouTube Submit a Question! I stream pre-recorded responses up to 3X a week. The Hero’s Spouse Website Articles about MLC, Infidelity, Dealing with your MLCer, Healing, Mirror-Work, Forigiveness… Th...

Completely unfamiliar with MLC, Kenda's husband began to experience the signs of MLC back in 2005, only seven years into their marriage. Hear how Kenda discovered and learned about MLC, armed with this knowledge she was able to support her husband over a four year period despite his escape to an affair partner at times. Kenda-Ruth has become one of the foremost experts on MLC throughout the U.S. and abroad, and in this episode we will hear how it all began!

Our story continues with part two as our guest shares a story he wrote for his wife, trying to explain what happened. Feeling like he was living a tug of war with his brain, he felt guilt but was completely unable to stop his secret life. He talks of being psychologically manipulated and how that's exactly what led to the end of that emotional affair. As our dear guest emerges from the tunnel he doesn't recall everything, but does recall enough to know that he hurt the woman he loved most of all...

In this podcast episode, John shares his personal experience with a midlife crisis that began in 2017. As he approached retirement, a loss of purpose led him into an online emotional affair, which acted as an addiction. Despite being married for over 40 years, John found himself entangled in a web of guilt and deceit. His online relationship escalated to include purchasing a house with his new partner, further complicating his life and leading to significant personal and legal challenges. John's...

In this gripping episode, a woman recounts her 38-year marriage and the unexpected turmoil introduced by her husband's midlife crisis. Initially drawn to his emotional stability, she later realized his avoidant tendencies during conflicts. Her husband's desire to sell their beloved home marked the beginning of a series of life-altering 'bomb drops.' As her partner embarked on a path to rediscover youth and autonomy, she found solace in understanding the signs of midlife crisis. Establishing a su...

In this episode, John Doe shares his heart-wrenching experience as a left-behind spouse after his wife's midlife crisis. Despite being unaware of her internal turmoil, John found himself thrust into a world of chaos, facing divorce, financial ruin, and emotional distress. With his daughters caught in the crossfire, John narrates a journey filled with unexpected challenges. Through persistence and support from unexpected allies, he found solace in understanding the pattern behind his wife's errat...

The debut episode of this podcast seeks to shed light on the pervasive issue of midlife crises, emphasizing that their influence can be far-reaching and destructive. Contrary to the cliché of middle-aged indulgence in expensive sports cars, these crises can tear families apart both financially and emotionall. By inviting others to join the conversation, the podcast aims to cultivate a broader understanding and bring attention to the widespread and generational impacts of midlife crises.