Laurie James Podcaster, Author, Somatic Relationship Coach public
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Hi, I’m Laurie James—author of Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, somatic relationship coach, mother of four adult daughters, divorcée, and recovering caregiver. I created Confessions of a Freebird as a heartfelt space for women navigating midlife transitions—divorce, empty nesting, loss, dating again, or simply wondering: “Is this all there is?” If you're longing for more authenticity, joy, freedom, and purpose, especially after years of putting everyone else first, you're i ...
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When a relationship ends, how do you really move through the grief—body, mind, and heart? In this solo episode, I share my own recent breakup story and how I used somatic practices to walk through the grief process. Because here’s the thing: heartbreak isn’t just emotional—it’s physical too. Our bodies feel the loss, and somatic healing tools can h…
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Have you ever reached for a drink—not because you genuinely wanted it—but because you were trying to soothe stress, numb emotions, or simply make it through the day? This week’s episode features Colleen Freeland Kachmann, an intuitive drinking coach and host of It’s Not About the Alcohol podcast. Colleen shares her powerful personal transformation …
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Do you want to make sure you’re not just alive… but truly living? My guest this week suggests, starting by contemplating your own death. In this transformative episode, I’m joined by Karen Salmansohn, bestselling author and behavioral change expert known for blending humor, heart, and science to make life’s most meaningful lessons accessible. We di…
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Have you ever felt as though the ground has suddenly dropped out from under you after someone you trusted deeply betrayed you? Betrayal can manifest physically and emotionally, preventing you from achieving what you truly desire. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Debi Silber, PhD, the founder of The Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and an in…
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Is your body changing in ways that feel unfamiliar or unexpected? Perhaps your midlife body has gained a few pounds without any changes to your eating habits. Or maybe you’ve always struggled with body image and are searching for ways to accept yourself with more ease. This week, I’m joined by Elizabeth Dall, a certified women’s wellness coach who …
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When we are healing, do we only focus on the emotional aspect, or do we look at healing our lives holistically? Addressing different aspects of our lives is essential for feeling our best and ultimately creating space for what many desire the most—a secure and healthy intimate relationship. In this conversation, I reconnect with Kate Anthony, a coa…
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Are you feeling uncertain about what’s happening to your body during perimenopause and menopause? Are you unsure of whom to trust regarding hormone therapy? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Maria Sophocles, a nationally recognized menopause specialist, OBGYN, and founder of Women’s Healthcare of Princeton. With nearly 30 years of experience and a d…
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Have you ever experienced a loss so deep it changed everything? What if healing isn’t about moving on, but about learning to live differently with your grief? In this episode, I talk with Melissa Saleh, a trauma advocate, storyteller, and mother who shares her powerful journey through stillbirth grief and how she found her way back to life after ev…
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Is the story you’ve been telling yourself keeping you stuck? Maybe it’s not the circumstances that need to shift, but your perspective on them and how you feel inside. In this episode, I talk with Karen Fabian, a yoga teacher, podcast host, and founder of Bare Bones Yoga. She left her high-level corporate job to pursue a more meaningful path. We di…
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Many people say that your life begins at birth, but what if your emotional imprint starts to take shape long before that? What if your emotions, behavioral patterns, and adaptability are formed in the womb? This is the conversation Cynthia Marks, host of the And Now, Love Podcast, and I explore. We delve into the transformative work of her late hus…
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What does it mean to be ‘the good daughter’? Being ‘the good daughter’ is a role many people step into without even realizing it. If you find yourself constantly maintaining peace, prioritizing others’ feelings over your own, and seeking your mother’s approval, you may be experiencing ‘the good daughter syndrome.’ Over time, this role can quietly w…
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Have you ever wondered, “Why isn’t anyone fixing this problem?” Maybe it’s something in your community, your workplace, your government, or in your own life. You see a problem, but there’s no solution. When that happens what do you do? Assume someone smarter and more experienced is already solving the problem. Or maybe your fear steps in and says, …
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If you've been feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed lately, you're not alone. I don’t know about you, but it feels like I've lived through three years' worth of challenges in just the first two months of this year. Even with ten years of energy work, coaching, therapy and somatic healing, overwhelm can still creep in. The good news is that I'v…
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Navigating the complexities of divorce can take a toll on our well-being, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. In this episode, Karen McMahon and I delve into these themes. Karen is a high-conflict divorce coach and strategist who shares her personal and raw divorce story, along with the powerful mindset shifts she has…
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Floating down a river serves as a beautiful metaphor for life. There are times when you need to be 'wild' and playful, willing to paddle when necessary, and wise when the river is calm, taking the time to listen to the messages that come your way. So, how do you learn to go with the flow of life when it feels uncertain and scary? In this episode, I…
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Can I be real with you for a second? Healing isn’t always pretty. It’s messy, confusing, and sometimes it feels like you’re completely lost. I’ve been there, sobbing on my guest bed, wondering if I would ever find myself again after my marriage ended. And then you take one small step forward, then another. Sometimes you take two steps backward befo…
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Welcome to the first episode of 2025, Freebirds! This episode is a MUST-listen for every woman! I’m joined by Ali Brady, a Functional Nutritionist and the founder of Project Menopause. Together, we dive deep into what it means to thrive during perimenopause and the menopause transition. Our candid conversation is a game-changer, designed to educate…
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This time of year, the media feeds us the message that we should be relaxed, feel connected to others, and experience joy, but our relationships are complex. Trying to “do it all,” that can leave us feeling exhausted, angry, and resentful. When we take on the roles of planning, shopping, hosting, and managing everyone’s emotions, it’s so easy to pu…
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I recently celebrated my big 60th and have been reflecting on the past decade. I've experienced significant growth in the last ten years, made a few big life transitions and I've learned a few life lessons along the way that I’ll share with you. My 50s were filled with raising four teenagers, caring for my elderly parents, navigating a divorce, wri…
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Navigating life’s twists and turns can be challenging, but one constant remains: our internal guidance or intuition. That inner voice nudges us during quiet moments and has the power to transform our lives if we are willing to listen. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Julie Reisler, master coach, intuitive guide, and founder of the In…
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This week, I want to take a moment to share a little holiday gratitude, life reflection, and yes—a touch of bad humor to brighten your day. As we dive into the season of giving, I’ve got a simple yet powerful challenge for you that will shift your perspective and bring more joy to your holidays. Additionally, I’m sharing updates on recent episodes …
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Grief. It can be big and it can be small, yet many of us yearn for a roadmap to help us navigate through it. Society often provides us with steps, timelines, and catchy phrases like "time heals all wounds." However, if you have experienced grief, you know it is much more complex than that. In this episode, I have a conversation with Krista St-Germa…
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Is it November already? Are you prepared for the upcoming holidays, or do you find yourself wanting to hide under the covers until they're over? This time of year can bring unwanted gifts, even though we are expected to be grateful and cheerful. You might be dealing with the recent loss of a loved one, navigating the complexities of a divorce, or f…
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Are you seeking more intimacy in your relationship? Perhaps you're considering dipping your toe in the dating pool life and feeling overwhelmed by the vulnerability it entails. Instead of shutting down and withdrawing from the experience, what if you chose to explore your inner feelings? By looking within, you can discover greater confidence, safet…
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Hey Freebirds, wishing you all a spooky and spirited Halloween! In this special episode, I will talk about something we all feel but don’t talk about enough—fear. Fear is something everyone deals with, not just during Halloween but all year long. It can sneak up on us in big moments or small decisions. We’ll dig into why we get scared and how fear …
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We live in a fast-paced society and world that rewards us for being busy. But what if I told you that slowing down your pace could improve your mental health? Today, in this solo-sode, I'll explore the art of slowing down in life and why it’s more important than ever to prioritize your mental health and find balance. I’ll also explore why busyness …
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Divorcing in midlife can feel like your life has been turned upside down. The next step is unraveling a lifetime of savings and assets you’ve built together. Navigating through the emotional and financial ups and downs of managing and understanding your divorce finances can be overwhelming, but with the right team, the process can be less painful a…
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Healing is not a linear path even though we want it to be. It can be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes takes us through emotional states we aren’t prepared to experience. For many of us, finding ways to connect with our emotions, experience and expel them can be a lifeline—and writing is one powerful tool to help you with the process. In this epi…
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In this solo episode, I get a little personal and share my parenting journey—specifically, what I’ve learned from raising my four daughters. Parenting has been one of my biggest teachers and today I’m sharing my insights, stories, and a few hard-earned lessons about the deep bond we create with our kids. Here’s what you’ll takeaway: The science beh…
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Life is full of transitions, both big and small, especially as we step into midlife. Our kids leave the nest and we hopefully become free birds, not empty nesters. Sometimes, they come back and need a soft landing spot. We might move to a smaller home, or we might be going through a larger life transition such as a divorce or the loss of a spouse. …
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Are you unsure about which foods are healthy and which are not? Maybe you’re dealing with fatigue, weight gain, or mysterious symptoms like joint pain, digestive issues, or autoimmune diseases. Understanding how the food you eat affects chronic inflammation, gut issues, or brain fog is crucial for managing your mood, energy levels, and overall heal…
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I must confess, I’m a recovering people pleaser. For years, I bent over backward to keep the peace in my marriage. I avoided conflict like the plague and ensured everyone else was happy even at the expense of my happiness. Where did it all start? In my childhood. Does this sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly putting others fi…
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Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging life experiences. I know this firsthand, having navigated my divorce after 26 years of marriage and raising four children. It's a process that can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure about your future. Educating yourself about the process is key to making the right decision for you! In this…
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Divorce doesn’t have to be stigmatized! When I was contemplating my divorce, I grappled with the societal shame tied to it. I felt like a failure and worried about how others would judge me, my social life, and more… Over time, I realized it didn’t have to be that way. Divorce is undeniably stressful, but with the right mindset and tools, it can be…
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Do you know what financial abuse is and how to recognize it in a relationship? It can creep up on you without you even realizing it and next to physical abuse, it’s one of the worst types of abuse one can experience. It's about control—keeping one cut off from accounts, passwords, and financial resources so you capitulate into doing what your partn…
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Do you have fear of being single or dare I say it alone? Maybe you are single and feeling the societal pressures from friends to partner up or you feel a NEED to do so for financial reasons. Well…this week my guest and I will flip the stigma around living life as a solo life. And if you haven’t noticed, more and more people are choosing this path! …
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When I saw signs that my marriage was crumbling, I began to build a stronger female tribe. Putting myself out there was scary and it took time, but the feeling of loneliness was greater and I was ready to create my female tribe. Since then, I’ve created a great tribe of friends and have developed strong relationships. I’ve learned some valuable les…
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Are you into yoga? Maybe you’ve considered adding it to your exercise routine, but have been reluctant. I fell in love with yoga, but it wasn’t instantaneous. It didn’t love my monkey mind, the poses, and the lack of flexibility I had…but I was drawn to it because I loved how it made me feel, the messages my teachers offered, and the community it p…
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Does your doctor look at you as a whole person or just the ailment you came in with? When you look at your health holistically, things can change for you. Holistic health is an approach to health care that looks at the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Treating someone holistically is an approach that isn’t about treating your symptoms, it’s a…
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Have you ever felt stuck in talk therapy? Maybe you are looking for safe alternative modalities to heal on a deeper level so you don’t repeat the same pattern in your next relationship. Today I dive deep into healing and empowerment after divorce with the incredible Dawn Wiggins, a licensed marriage and family therapist and divorce recovery coach. …
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How can non-verbal communication with a horse help you develop self-awareness on your path to personal growth? In today's episode, Sue Willoughby, founder of Willoughby Coaching, and I dive deep into how our relationship with horses can help us become more aware of the non-verbal communication between two beings. Sue specializes in Equus coaching, …
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Happy July 4th Freebirds! Today's episode is short and sweet, perfect for this holiday week. A friend shared a beautiful poem with me and it spoke to my heart. The poem is about embracing all parts of ourselves—the good, the bad, and not-so-favorite parts. I felt so inspired by it and wanted to share it with you. This poem reminds us that we are li…
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Manifesting your desires isn't just about wishing or praying your way to what you want, it involves a transformative process that can help you create a life with intention. Whether you're navigating the challenges of a divorce, career change, or dating, understanding how to manifest what you’d like to bring in intentionally can lead to profound per…
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If you aren't careful, the dating scene can lead to self-doubt, neglect of emotional needs, and a depletion of self-worth if you feed into your negative thoughts. But it doesn't have to be that way and you DON'T HAVE TO BE DATING TO LISTEN! This episode can apply to anyone who needs more self-love in their life. Today, I'm diving into why self-love…
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Do you cringe at the idea of putting yourself on a dating app? The online dating scene can be daunting and scary, especially if you've been out of the dating pool for a while or if you're dipping your toe back in for the first time post-divorce. In this episode, I will guide you through 8 tried-and-tested online dating tips that will help you navig…
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Being an adoptee has its unique challenges and navigating the ups and downs of uncovering the truth about our adoption can be a wild ride. Adoptees often struggle with unanswered questions, conflicting emotions, and a sense of not quite fitting in. We can also feel unsure about how to move forward on our discovery journey. In this episode, I have a…
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I don't know about you, but my mental, physical, and emotional health changes based on my alcohol consumption. As summer arrives, I am reevaluating my relationship with alcohol and this conversation will hopefully help you do the same. As we age, our bodies change and menopause sets in, affecting the social drink or two we have at the summer BBQ! T…
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Do you ever feel like you're unable to fully embrace love or connect deeply with others? Many of us struggle to open up and be vulnerable due to negative experiences from our past, which creates emotional barriers that unconsciously hold us back or sabotage our relationships. It's frustrating and can be painful. You might find yourself repeating ol…
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Do you feel lonely when you're alone? Or maybe you feel lonely lying next to your partner or in your relationship. That lonely feeling is something I’ve experienced for much of my life, but couldn’t put it into words to it until I started healing the different parts of me that were driving those emotions. In addition, the fear of feeling more alone…
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How are you doing? Like really doing? I don’t know about you, but I was in need of a break. I’m not one to sit still for very long and that hasn’t always served me well but I’m learning to honor what my body needs and this week, that’s giving myself a break. So this episode will be short and sweet. But there’s stil a message in there for you. Our w…
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