Thrive with Kira Sabin: A Positive Psychology Podcast

You might be asking yourself right now: "What can I actually do? How can I make a difference?" I got you. This episode kicks off a multi-part series on 35 ways to change the world, starting with the first 10 focused on changing your inner world first—because healing, regulation, and self-worth create the ripple effect that leads to real impact. In This Episode Grief and attachment styles in real relationships Why self-healing is not selfish—it's strategic The connection between joy, regulation, and resilience A reminder that community and creativity are part of survival, not luxuries Spark San Diego Last Call: sequins, silliness, and sisterhood Part 1: The First 10 Ways Learn emotional regulation Build true self-worth Practice a growth mindset Be intentional about what you consume Align your time, energy, and money with your values Learn basic somatic and vagal nerve tools Get serious about sleep Go to therapy and/or get coaching Schedule play and creativity Prioritize community and connection Core Message: You don't change the world by becoming busier or more perfect. You change it by becoming more aligned, regulated, connected, and fully yourself. Come join me at Spark San Diego!

In this "welcome back to 2026" episode, I'm back on Thrive with Kira with a very minimal-edit rant (the best kind), sharing what's been happening behind the scenes—RomCom Rescue updates, the wild growth of my Instagram community, and the launch of Spark Midlife—and then I get into the real reason I hit record: Midlife women are not here to just cope. We're here to create. Build. Lead. And make an impact. If you've been waiting for a sign to stop wishing and start doing… this is it. In This Episode, I Talk About: Why midlife feels harder than anyone warned us (and why it's not because you're "failing") Why I disappeared from Thrive with Kira for a bit—and what I've been doing instead RomCom Rescue + what I'm excited about this year My Instagram blowing up—and why I'm doubling down on joy content Spark Midlife—what it is, why I created it, and why I'm so damn excited about it Stress, burnout, and why "willpower" isn't the issue (and never was) Why history is oddly comforting right now (and also horrifying) The trap so many of us learned: be good, be helpful, be easy… and life will reward you Why I'm done watching women wait for life to happen to them Why I keep saying: Why not me? Why not us? How community is the antidote—and why we've been kept from it for so long The Big Takeaway Here's what I'm really saying: Stop waiting. Stop wishing. Stop giving all your time and energy to systems and people that drain you. If there's air in your lungs, you can make impact—small or big, loud or quiet, local or online. You don't need to become "someone else." You need to stop shrinking the person you already are.

So many of us are frustrated by our lack of motivation or change. But here’s the truth: You’re not lazy. You’re likely burned out, stuck in survival mode, or running on a nervous system that thinks “rest” is a threat. And willpower? It’s not a moral issue—it’s a limited resource, not a personality trait. In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why change feels so damn hard in midlife (even when you really want it) What your brain is doing when you try something new—and why it slams the brakes How perimenopause can make motivation and memory even harder The difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation (and why one actually works) Why shame, blame, and “just push through” doesn’t create change—but self-compassion does This one’s for every Gen X or elder millennial woman who’s ever said, “I’ll start Monday,” only to spiral by Wednesday. Let’s get into the science, the humor, and the tools that actually work when life feels stuck. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Devon Price’s Laziness Does Not Exist What’s really happening in your brain during change Why I created Thrive Midlife (and yes, there are goats 🐐 and pizza farms 🍕) 💌 Questions or takeaways? DM me on Instagram @kirasabin or email kira@thrivewithkira.com. I want to hear what resonated—and where you’re still feeling stuck. Do you need more laughter and joy in midlife? That’s what Thrive Midlife is all about: a small group coaching intensive for women who are ready to LIVE LIKE THEY FUCKING MEAN IT. Real tools. Real support. Real connection. No fluff. This is your LAST chance to join Thrive before prices go up. 🍁 PLUS—this fall, we’re meeting in Madison, Wisconsin for a soul-filling weekend retreat with full-on Stars Hollow in October vibes: Lake views. Cozy sweaters. 🍎 Apple orchards. 🍕 Pizza farms. 🐐 Goats in sweaters. 🔥 Firepit chats. 🤩 Emotional breakthroughs. Real joy. Real connection. ✨ Want in? Head over to https://www.thrivewithkira.com/thrive

Welcome to the final episode of my five-part podcast series, Why Did No One Warn Us About This Midlife Sht?* If you’ve been feeling like the life you built doesn’t quite fit anymore, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Today's episode? This Isn’t the Life I Ordered. Now What? The episode is all about the gut-punch realization many of us face in midlife: you can create a life that looks “perfect” on paper and still feel deeply disconnected from it. Maybe the house, the career, the relationship, the life you worked so hard for… doesn't feel like you anymore. In this episode, we dive into: 🎯 Why the life you built may no longer fit who you are now. 💔 How to process the grief that comes with outgrowing old dreams. 🧠 Why midlife identity crises are really powerful growth moments. 🔥 How positive psychology shows us that happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. 🧩 Why your nervous system and your soul are begging for a life that feels real, not just Instagrammable. 🚫 The myth of the “perfect” checklist life—and why it doesn’t lead to fulfillment. 🌱 What it really takes to build a life that fits the person you are today—not who you were 20 years ago. Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a call to evolve. If you’re tired of surviving, it’s time to learn how to thrive. 💥 Ready to get the support you need? Doors are open for the Thrive Midlife Program—an intensive, high-touch coaching experience for women who are ready to ditch the burnout and build a life that actually fits. 👉 Check out Thrive Midlife Program or grab a free call with me here. ✨ Takeaways from today’s episode: Grief is not failure—it’s a sign you’re growing. You don’t have to stay stuck in a life that doesn’t fit. Happiness isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about building daily rituals that fuel you. Midlife is the invitation to rewrite your life—not to disappear quietly. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: The Thrive Midlife Program — Early bird pricing extended to June 15th! Free Call with Kira — Let’s talk about whether Thrive is right for you. Follow me on Instagram for Manic Mondays nostalgia and more midlife realness.

In Episode 4 of my five-part series, I’m talking about something that hits all of us in midlife: the rage. That low-key, high-voltage, "I swear to God if the dishwasher beeps one more time..." kind of rage. Here’s the thing: You’re not broken. You’re not crazy. You’re just awake — and your nervous system is officially done putting up with the bullshit. 🧠 In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why the rage isn’t random — and why it’s not a flaw What’s really going on in your body (hello perimenopause, my old frenemy) Why your nervous system is basically a cornered raccoon right now How chronic stress + no emotional processing = midlife meltdown The two sides of unregulated rage: numbing out vs. exploding What NOT to do with all your rage (trust me, I’ve screamed at a microwave) What to actually do to heal, regulate, and stop losing your shit ✨ Key Takeaway: Rage isn’t the problem. It’s the flashing neon sign pointing to what needs healing. You don’t have to stay stuck in rage mode — and you definitely don’t have to figure it out alone. 👯‍♀️ Want to stop white-knuckling through life and finally learn how to regulate, reset, and rebuild your energy (and your life)? Thrive Midlife is my six-month program where we untangle all this shit with tools from neuroscience, positive psychology, and a lot of laughter. 🛠 Check out Thrive Midlife here 📅 Or book a free, no-pressure call with me Follow me on instagram for a joy & truth bomb explosion!

EPISODE 3: Why We Don't Like Ourselves Very Much (Gen X Women Edition) 💥 In Episode 3 of my five-part series, I’m getting real about the deep, invisible ways women—especially Gen X women—were taught from day fucking one not to actually like ourselves. 🧠 I’m breaking down why so many of us struggle with self-worth, how it’s completely different from self-esteem or confidence, and why no amount of gold stars, trophies, or people-pleasing will fill the damn gap. 🙋‍♀️ In this episode, I’m calling out: Over-giving until you’re fucking exhausted (and resent everyone) Confusing being busy with being important Struggling to take a goddamn compliment without deflecting it Feeling like you have to earn love, worth, or even rest Saying “yes” to shit you already know you’ll resent Building walls around yourself and silently daring people to break them down (hint: they won’t) …If that sounds familiar, this one’s gonna hit deep. And you might laugh-snort a few times too. ✨ Here’s what I’m diving into: The real difference between self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth (nope, not the same thing) Why Gen X women were conditioned to tie our value to our goddamn usefulness & perfection How early praise and punishment set us up for a lifetime of people-pleasing The sneaky ways self-abandonment shows up in midlife Why midlife is the perfect time to burn that shit down and build something better How Thrive Midlife helps women rebuild self-worth from the inside fucking out 💛 Ready to stop performing and start actually fucking living? Thrive Midlife is my six-month program rooted in neuroscience, positive psychology, and deep, radically honest coaching. It’s where you stop hustling for validation and finally start building the kind of self-worth that changes everything. 🛠 Check out Thrive Midlife here 📅 Or schedule a free call with me 🔔 Next Up coming back on Monday! 🎙️ Episode 4: Where to Put All the Fucking Rage — because spoiler: it’s not just hormones. 📌 Tags: Self-Worth, Self-Compassion, Gen X Women, Midlife Growth, Emotional Healing, Positive Psychology, Coaching for Women, Thrive Midlife

Fuck Being the Strong One! 💥 Episode 2 of our 5-part podcast series is here — and we’re coming for the “strong one” identity Gen X women were handed without consent. 🧠 In this powerful, hilarious, and painfully honest episode, Kira breaks down the emotional toll of always being the capable, dependable, fix-it-all one — and why it’s not strength, it’s survival mode. 🙋‍♀️ If you’ve ever: Been the unofficial family therapist, tech support, and event planner — all before noon Managed everyone else’s needs while ignoring your own Thought “if I stop holding this all together, it will all fall apart” Secretly fantasized about running away to a goat farm …this one’s gonna hit deep. And probably make you laugh out loud. ✨ What I cover: Why Gen X women are soul-tired — not just physically worn out The inherited patterns that confused people-pleasing with strength What it actually means to build self-worth (not hustle for it) How being the “strong one” is often just a well-disguised trauma response Why real strength starts with community, emotional regulation, and actual support 👯‍♀️ The truth: This isn’t just a “you” thing. It’s generational. And it’s time we stopped doing this alone. 💛 Ready to stop white-knuckling your way through midlife? Thrive Midlife is a 6-month program rooted in neuroscience, positive psychology, and deep, radically honest support. You’ll learn the skills to regulate your emotions, build real self-worth, and finally live like you mean it. 🛠 Check out Thrive Midlife here 📌 Tags: Gen X Women, Midlife Support, Positive Psychology, Emotional Labor, Self-Worth, Trauma Healing, Coaching for Women, Midlife Podcast, Thrive Midlife 🔔 Next Up: 🎙️ Episode 3: Why You Don't Like Yourself that Much – a look at the missing self-worth starter pack and why Gen X women are still hustling to feel like they’re enough. 🔔 Subscribe and don’t miss the next episode!

Welcome to Part 1 of my brand-new series, Why Did Nobody Warn Us About This Shit?! – five no-holds-barred episodes exploring the real, raw, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking truths about midlife. Spoiler alert: It’s way more than hot flashes. In this episode, I’m talking about the physical, emotional, and psychological curveballs no one prepared us for— The 3:00 AM brain TED Talks The unpredictable emotional rollercoaster The friendships that fade or fall apart The crippling nostalgia and wild irritability The WTF moments where your own body ghosts you Midlife isn’t just a season—it’s a f*cking plot twist. But you’re not crazy. You’re not broken. You’re just in the thick of a transformation that deserves real tools, real support, and real community. So let's talk about what really goes down in your 40s and 50s—and how to move through it without burning out, blowing up, or going it alone. What You’ll Hear: Why your emotions feel like toddlers with sugar and no supervision Why you can't remember ANYTHING anymore. The weird grief of changing or disappearing friendships Why you crave peace and feel lonely at the same time The lie that you’d be happy “once you had it all” Why joy takes intention now (no more autopilot happiness) What’s different for Gen X + elder millennials vs. our mothers Want More Support? You don’t have to do this alone. THRIVE Midlife is a science-backed group coaching experience for midlife women who are done pretending they’re fine. Inside Thrive, you’ll learn: ✨ Emotional regulation (even when hormones are a dumpster fire) ✨ How to build real self-worth (not just confidence) ✨ How to set boundaries, ask for help, and live on purpose ✨ How to stop numbing and start living like you mean it ✅ Limited spots ✅ 6-month program with live coaching + an in-person retreat ✅ Early bird pricing is live now Book a call → thrivewithkira.com/thrive Stay Connected: 💌 Email: kira@thrivewithkira.com 📸 Instagram: @kirasabin — DM me! 🎧 Subscribe & Follow the show so you don’t miss the next episode: “When You Don’t Want to Be the Strong One Anymore”

Hello there, sugar pants. I'm back—and whew, life has been a lot lately. But today, I’m diving into something that’s been messing with way too many of us for way too long: perfection. We’ve been taught that if we can just get it right—be good enough, successful enough, lovable enough—then life will finally feel better. But here’s the truth: you can’t love perfect. You can’t be perfect. And trying to is killing your joy, your creativity, your connection—and your relationships. In this episode, I’m sharing: The red flag hidden in “You seem perfect” (and why it made me cringe) What went down in my own relationship during a rough season How even great relationships fall apart a little—and what it looks like to come back from that Why perfectionism keeps us stuck, lonely, and exhausted (even when everything looks good on paper) How I help women actually start feeling better—on purpose I’ll also give you a real look at what we’re doing inside Thrive Midlife—my 6-month group coaching experience for women 40+ who are ready to stop surviving and start actually living. 🔥 Want 40% More Happiness? I’m not being cute. Science shows that 40% of our happiness comes from our daily mindset and choices—not our past, not our DNA. That’s what Thrive is all about. We blend neuroscience, emotional regulation, coaching, creativity, and a community of women who actually give a damn. 💬 Weekly workshops & tools 🧠 One-on-one coaching with me 👯‍♀️ A group of badass, funny, honest women 🌄 And a fall retreat in Madison, WI (think goat petting, cider breakthroughs, and cheese) 👉 Early bird pricing ends May 31st, 2025. Get all the details at ThriveMidlifeProgram.com 💌 Subscribe. Review. Send a smoke signal. If you loved this episode (or it called you out in the best way), hit subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a friend who needs to hear this. And if you want to tell me what landed? Email me at kira@thrivewithkira.com. I love hearing from you. Because life’s too short to keep faking perfect. Let’s thrive—like we fucking mean it.

Welcome back, Thrive fam! I'm back with a laugh-out-loud, no-BS episode about why midlife women are just too damn old for over-giving, over-thinking, and pretending everything’s “fine.” If you’re ready to ditch people-pleasing and finally build self-worth, this episode is your must-listen. In This Episode: Where the heck have I been? (Spoiler: Thrive Midlife Group wins, real-life curveballs, and yes, Danny’s hip replacement) How Gen X women were conditioned to over-give (and why it’s time to stop) The real science behind self-worth, resilience, and building a midlife that actually feels good RomCom Rescue updates and the secret sauce behind relationship growth What to expect from the new Thrive Midlife Program & coaching options for women over 40 Why you’re not broken—you’re just way too old for this sht* Take Action: Ready for a little midlife magic? 👉 Take the free “Way Too Old for This Sh*t” assessment at thrivewithkira.com/assessment and find out what’s really holding you back (plus get quick, actionable tips for your type). Links & Resources: Thrive with Kira website Join the Thrive Midlife waitlist 1:1 Coaching with Kira RomCom Rescue podcast Email Kira your thoughts: kira@thrivewithkira.com If you’re a woman over 40, ready to stop settling and start thriving, this is the podcast for you. Subscribe, share, and let’s make midlife your best chapter yet.

TWO SPOTS LEFT for THRIVE Midlife Program! My brand new positive psychology program with optional retreats for women over 40 to learn the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to Stop Overthinking, Realize Your Worth, & Have the BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE! ✨ Ditch the stuff that’s making you feel stuck. ✨ Discover what lights you up (and keeps you glowing). ✨ Build tools to deal with life’s chaos without burning out. No more rinse-and-repeat. Let’s get you back to feeling alive, vibrant, and (dare I say it?) excited about life again. Grab your spot & check out all the information here Hidden Brain Episode I reference

Not all advice is created equal. Some of it is gold, but a lot of it? Straight-up garbage. This episode is about shaking off the bad advice that keeps us stuck and stepping into 2025 ready to own it. If you’re tired of the same old stuck, it’s time to shake things up. Your next chapter isn’t going to write itself—so let’s make it the best one yet. Ready to Make 2025 the best year of Your Life? Check out Thrive!

After a good convo on my Rom-Com Rescue podcast where we talked about 2006 Classic rom-com, The Holiday, it made me think about crushes and unrequited love. My own experience and what I have learned (good and not-so-good) about crushes over the years. I share some personal stories and try to answer the question, if crushes and unrequited love feels so bad, why do we keep having them? Don't forget there is a new Essentials Version of Thrive out that is on sale through 11/24/24. New prices start at $499 a month. Check it out at ThriveMidlifeProgram.com

Well, it's been a week. This week on the podcast I talk about... There is a new Essentials Version of Thrive out today that is on sale through the weekend. New prices start at $499 a month. Check it out at ThriveMidlifeProgram.com

I think one of the roughest parts of being in midlife is realizing that most of the things you were taught about being a girl/woman growing were complete and total BS. I feel like I have been spending YEARS gut-checking my beliefs and realizing a bunch of the ideas I was sold were based in old school misogyny and were keeping me in a fear/scarcity place. Today I go through 10 Beliefs I was raised with that were complete BS! Maybe you learned them too. If you are ready to examine your beliefs and let go of them, join me in THRIVE! My intimate, 9-month group coaching intensive for midlife women to reset your life, let go of what's not working, realize your self-worth, and build the life that you actually want for this next chapter.

To watch all the videos, and join me on the Joy Journey, visit me on the Joy Journey Substack Welcome to my Joy Journey. A 30 day journey to find more mini moments on joy in my life and encourage others to do the same. After a break for the flu, I'm on day 10 of my Joy Journey and I talk about something that I have noticed coming up...the curse of overthinking. Today I breakdown: Article I reference today. And just a reminder, this is the work I do in THRIVE, my 9 month happiness program for women in midlife, and it’s why I have had thousands of clients who have learned how to stop overthinking, build more self-worth, create unshakeable relationships, and walk through this world lighter and happier. Spots available at ThrivewithKira.com

To watch all the videos, and join me on the Joy Journey, visit me on the Joy Journey Substack Welcome to my Joy Journey. A 30 day journey to find more mini moments on joy in my life and encourage others to do the same. I'm on day 8 of my Joy Journey. I check in on how it's going and some of the surprises so far. But more importantly, today I breakdown the difference between the fixed vs growth mindset and why it matters. I share: And just a reminder, this is the work I do in THRIVE, my 9 month happiness program for women in midlife, and it’s why I have had thousands of clients who have learned how to stop overthinking, build more self-worth, create unshakeable relationships, and walk through this world lighter and happier. Spots available at ThrivewithKira.com

Join me on the Joy Journey at my Joy Journey Substack. Watch the video version here. Here is the truth. Things have gotten really rough for me. Between midlife/aging perimenopause, and just THE 🌎 in general, I feel like I am just pushing through and getting by…and it’s not working anymore. I’m not sure that has ever worked. But man that’s what I was taught. Suck it up buttercup and deal. Nope. I know better, so I’m doing something about it. Welcome to my Joy Journey. A 30 day journey to find more mini moments on joy in my life and encourage others to do the same. It starts this week (Wed the 21st), and I will be doing one positive psychology activity every day to raise my happiness set point and hopefully inspire others in the process. Today the podcast is telling you all about the Joy Journey and what this is, why I'm doing it, and how you can be a part of it.

I'm talking about one of my favorite topics today that personally kicked off my self-help journey. Love vs Fear. Today is a bit fancy because I break the episode down to 3 parts. And a boatload more of sweary genius. Grab sessions for 50% off through 8/7/24. $99 for 30 minutes and $199 for 60 minutes. Grab one (or a few) here. Reference Articles Four types of Fear article

You know all those things you were taught were going to make you happy? Perfect job, relationship, house, body, etc...that once you had them, you were THEN going to be happy? Turns out, all BS. Today on the pod I go to my Happiness Basics and talk about the super interesting theory called the happiness set point. I talk about: Have you checked out THRIVE? A brand new positive psychology program w/retreats for women over 40 to learn the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to thrive in midlife. Unlearn the beliefs that don’t work anymore, get more joy on a daily basis, regulate your emotions, build deep self-worth, and learn how to feed & move the body you have NOW. Check out all the information here Article referenced