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Published on:

14th Jun 2022

Awakening Through Divorce with Stephanie Raffelock

In today’s episode, we are joined by Stephanie Raffelock, an author on aging well and the creative surge that begins in midlife. Stephanie discusses the awakenings and transformation that come with getting older. We discuss what aging looks like in today’s society, where we live in a culture that values youth and beauty. We discuss how re-imagining and awakening go hand in hand with divorce. Stephanie talks about how thinking of doing divorce with an attitude of ‘what's in the next chapter?’ will enrich life in ways that couldn’t be done before. We close the episode by discussing how all women should tell their stories and how self-knowledge reveals all things. Tune in to learn how to embrace aging, divorce, and how going through something hard in life can change life for the better with some curiosity and gratitude.

In this episode:

[1:55] What led Stephanie to write books about aging. [4:40] Stephanie discusses how health & vitality are sexy and what opens up for us as we age. [5:55] She discusses the third act of one's life and how rewarding it is. [6:30] Stephanie talks about how her book and thinking can be applied to someone going through a divorce or a life-changing shift. [10:15] Why are people so afraid to age? [12:00] Stephanie's thoughts on empowerment and courage. [14:12] As we get older, how do we fit into this youth-oriented culture? [16:54] Journaling and how/why each woman’s story is important.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aging is absolutely beautiful, it's the third chapter in life, and this final chapter is where all the incredible transformations happen.
  • Divorce (and other complicated things in life) are an opportunity to restructure your life and awaken to the things you can do now that you were afraid to do while you were married. It’s a second chance at life and creating who you are.
  • Use curiosity and gratitude to get through divorce. Have gratitude that you made it this far; you made it through the difficult situation, which means you can make it through anything! What can you learn and see with new eyes?

Quotes:

“Empowerment is really something that grows up from the center, from the gut, of the woman, I believe, and it's something that needs to be claimed, examined, and understood as not a polite and pretty process but a powerful process.”

“When you are healthy, there is a sexiness to it because there is a vitality to it, there's juice to it.”

Guest Bio:

Stephanie Raffelock is the author of Creatrix Rising, Unlocking the Power of Midlife Women. (She Writes Press in August, 2021).  She also penned the award-winning, bestseller, A Delightful Little Book on Aging. A graduate of Naropa University’s program in Writing and Poetics, Stephanie was a contributor to The Rogue Valley Messenger, in Oregon.  She’s blogged for Nexus Magazine, Omaha Lifestyles, Care2.com as well as SixtyandMe.com. A former i-Heart Radio host, she is now a popular guest on podcasts, where she inspires women to embrace the strength and passion of their personal story.

Resources: 

Stephanie Rafflock's Website

Stephanie Raffelock's Instagram

Stephanie Raffelock's Facebook

Stephanie Raffelock's Books

Mentioned in this episode:

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A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently

About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—Doing Divorce Different is your guide to a healthy, faith filled life transition.

Hosted by Family Law Attorney and Mediator Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different is a candid, empowering podcast designed to take the fear out of divorce and guide you toward peace—whether you’re navigating a split, working to stay married, or rebuilding a better life after a major transition. Each week, Lesa brings heart-centered legal insight, emotional support, and holistic wisdom to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

We cover everything from amicable divorce and co-parenting strategies to parenting plans that actually work and support kids in thriving through change. You’ll learn how to prepare for marriage with prenups, revisit your relationship with post-nuptial agreements, and understand what it really takes to stay married or rekindle love after a rough season. If you're in the midst of a grey divorce, wondering how to not get divorced, or questioning whether love can be found again, this show is for you.

Lesa also explores the emotional and physical changes that often accompany midlife and major life shifts. From navigating the impact of menopause on your health, marriage, and mood, to dealing with the loneliness that can come after divorce or empty nesting, you’ll find honest conversations that don’t shy away from real-life challenges. And for those of you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ll discover what it means to truly build a better life after 40.

Health and wellness are deeply integrated into this journey. Lesa shares insights on the benefits of rest, joy, nutrition, fasting, protein, and bone health, along with the power of movement, community, and exercise to support mental clarity and physical strength. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself with intention—because healing isn’t just emotional, it’s also biological.

Mindset work and self-coaching are recurring tools offered in episodes to help you reframe your story and shift from fear to freedom. And through it all, the show honors the role of faith, spiritual surrender, and letting God lead you through every season. Whether you're leaning into your relationship with God for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll hear how surrender can bring peace even in the hardest moments.

You’ll hear real stories from people who have done divorce differently, saved their marriages, or found new love and purpose on the other side. Lesa also brings in conversations about marriages that have stood the test of time, co-parenting through complex seasons, and the realities of parenting after separation while maintaining stability for your kids.

This is not just a podcast about divorce. Doing Divorce Different is about taking back your life, rewriting your future, and trusting that you’re not starting over, you’re starting better. If you’re craving practical advice, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about creating a healthy, joyful, purpose-driven life, you’ve found your community.

Subscribe now and join Lesa Koski for weekly episodes that will help you grow stronger in your relationships, your health, and your faith, no matter where you’re starting from.

About the Host:
I’ve spent over 25 years helping families navigate amicable divorce as a lawyer and mediator, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. But my mission has expanded. Today, I support women over 40 not just through endings, but in building stronger relationships—and sometimes even saving their marriages. I’m a breast cancer survivor, a cowgirl at heart, a wellness advocate, and a follower of Jesus. My life and faith fuel my passion for helping women thrive.

About your host

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Lesa Koski