Have you ever felt the pull to follow a passion, only to hear that little voice whisper, “I’m too old” or “What if I can’t do it?”

You’re not alone, and this week’s episode is here to remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Francesca Johnson, founder of Makeup by Francesca, whose journey is a testament to grit, grace, and unapologetic confidence.

From her days as a corporate makeup artist in New York City to becoming a thriving solopreneur in the Midwest, Fran’s story is as inspiring as it is relatable. We dive into what it really means to embrace confidence at any age and how Fran has built a career that empowers women to feel beautiful and strong—inside and out. We also talk about the power of authenticity, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

Join us to hear about:

• How Fran transitioned from working with big-name brands to launching her own business.
• Why authenticity is the secret to building a fulfilling career and life.
• Fran’s personal tools for silencing imposter syndrome and showing up boldly.
• The transformative power of makeup and its role in building confidence at any age.
• Practical advice for chasing passions and thriving in non-traditional career paths.

This episode is like a hug and a pep talk rolled into one. Trust me, you’ll walk away feeling empowered and ready to take on the world!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Female Founders Collective

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH FRANCESCA JOHNSON:

Website

Instagram: @makeupbyfrancesca68

Facebook: @makeupbyfrancescaj

Does winter ever feel like it's got you in a grip of gray skies, cold mornings, and an endless case of the blahs?

I feel you, and trust me—you’re not alone. In this episode, I get real about my experiences with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how the winter months can take a toll on our mood and energy. But don’t worry—I’m not just here to talk about the problem. I’m sharing my favorite tips, tricks, and stories to help us all find light (literally and figuratively!) during the colder months.

• What Seasonal Affective Disorder is and how it might show up in your life.
• My personal experiences with SAD and how it impacts my winter routine.
• Why light therapy can be a game-changer and how to use it effectively.
• Simple ways to stay active and keep moving, even when it’s freezing outside.
• How to create a cozy home environment to lift your spirits.
• The power of self-care, staying warm, and leaning into social connections.
• Practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset during the darker months.

So, grab your coziest blanket, a hot cup of something delicious, and tune in. Let’s beat those winter blues together!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Female Founders Collective

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

Have you ever felt trapped in a situation that seemed impossible to escape?

In this episode, I sit down with the brave and resilient Christie Deiter as she shares her journey through financial and emotional abuse—and how she found her way to freedom. Christie opens up about a pivotal moment on January 31, 2023, when an emotional breakdown with her ex finally pushed her to seek help and regain control of her life.

Our conversation dives deep into the hidden and often misunderstood world of financial abuse. Christie and I talk candidly about the real impact of abuse on family dynamics, how to recognize the red flags, and why reaching out for support is so important. Christie’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how hard things get, it’s possible to reclaim your life, find strength in yourself, and start over.

Here’s what we dive into in this episode:

• How to identify and understand financial abuse, and why it often goes unnoticed.
• How a single night on January 31, 2023, changed her life forever.
• Practical steps for seeking support and building financial independence.
• How Christie found resilience and strength through self-care, wellness, and the power of authenticity.
• Why building your own path and finding your voice matters—no matter what you’ve been through.

Join us for this inspiring episode, where Christie’s journey reminds us all that even the darkest chapters can lead to brighter, bolder futures.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services)

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Young Star

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH CHRISTIE DEITER:

Instagram: @christiedeiter

You’ve probably heard some of the rumors: “If I’m an organ donor, doctors won’t try as hard to save me” or “I can’t have an open casket funeral if I donate my organs.”

Let’s be honest—organ donation is often misunderstood, and these myths can make people hesitate when deciding whether or not to become a donor.

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with three incredible organ procurement coordinators—Abbey, Kayla, and Louise—who give us a behind-the-scenes look at the world of organ donation.

Together, we unravel the misconceptions, share powerful personal stories, and talk about the emotional highs and lows of their work. Whether you're already registered as an organ donor or still on the fence, this episode will open your eyes to the life-changing impact of organ donation.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Powerful stories of loss and healing from both donors' families and recipients
• The emotional complexities organ donation professionals face every day
• A breakdown of the organ allocation process and why every donor matters
• Debunking common myths about organ donation
• Why it’s so important to have open, honest conversations with loved ones about your end-of-life wishes

As Abbey, Kayla, and Louise share, talking about organ donation can bring so much peace and clarity—not just for you, but for the ones you leave behind.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to save a life through organ donation, or if you're simply curious about the process, this episode is for you. Tune in, get inspired, and maybe even start a conversation about how you can make a difference through the gift of life.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Donate Life Wisconsin Website - Register as a donor, donate, and learn more here!

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

In this episode, I sit down with Holly Lovell, a real estate powerhouse who proves that genuine connections—not just transactions—are what truly drive success.

Holly’s story is a masterclass in heart-led business. Holly built her career by focusing on relationships first. She didn’t rely on quick sales or one-off deals; instead, she prioritized trust, integrity, and authentic connections.

In this conversation, we explore how leading with emotional intelligence—not just numbers—can be a total game-changer for anyone running a business. Holly shares how this approach helped her land some of the biggest deals of her career, including selling Iowa's most expensive home. But beyond the money, it’s her genuine care for her clients that makes her a standout success.

Here’s a taste of what we get into:

• How building genuine, heart-led connections helped Holly move from banking to dominating real estate
• The emotional intelligence behind creating client loyalty and trust that lasts
• Why the most successful women in business today are ditching the transactional mindset for a more authentic, people-first approach
• Holly’s experience selling Iowa’s priciest home, proving that leading with your heart pays off in the long run

If you're ready to stop chasing quick wins and start building deeper, more meaningful connections in your business, this episode is for you. Holly’s journey is proof that when you focus on people over transactions, success follows.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

WSJ Article: An Iowa Home With an Irish Pub Sets a State Sales Record

Book: Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office

Book: Who Not How

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH HOLLY LOVELL:

Website: www.ellevenre.com/holly-lovell

Instagram: @lovellgroupre

Facebook: @LovellGroupRE

Ever feel like your finances are a chaotic swirl of receipts, spreadsheets, and panic? I’ve been there.

In this episode, we’re getting real about money—because it’s time to stop pretending we all have it figured out. And who better to help us navigate the mess than my incredible bookkeeper, Nikki Knecht (AKA my financial lifesaver)?

I share some pretty funny (and maybe too relatable) stories about my early struggles with money management—think lots of trial and error, and so many spreadsheets. If you're running a business and feeling overwhelmed by your numbers, you’re going to want to hear this one.

We break down the emotional rollercoaster that comes with trying to manage your business finances, the difference between bookkeeping and accounting (yes, they’re different!), and how you can start to understand and take control of your finances.

Here’s what we get into:

• My early financial struggles and how I found humor (and help!) in the chaos.
• The real, emotional challenges of managing money—like that constant fear of failure.
• The real talk on how societal perceptions can mess with your confidence around pricing your services.
• Why accepting help and setting clear financial goals can be a total game changer for your biz.
• Practical advice for tracking finances and preparing for more in-depth financial management.

Money doesn’t have to be the scary monster in your closet—it can actually be empowering once you take control. Ready to finally feel on top of your finances? Tune in now!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH NICKI KNECHT:

Website: www.knechtbs.com

LinkedIn: @nickiknecht

Facebook: @KnechtBS

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the endless loop of dieting and self-criticism?

Trust me, I’ve been there. In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Bright from Real Good Nutrition to dive into intuitive eating and body acceptance.

In this raw, honest conversation, I get real about my rollercoaster ride with diet culture. From chasing that "perfect" body to dealing with the emotional stress of weight gain, it all led to a life-changing realization: diets were never the answer.

Emmy brings her own transformative story to the table, sharing how her celiac diagnosis reshaped her relationship with food. Together, we shatter diet myths, celebrate self-compassion, and encourage you to embrace your body just as it is.

Here’s a taste of what we get into:

• My personal story of breaking free from diet culture and finding true body acceptance
• Emmy's journey with celiac disease and how it changed the way she sees food
• The truth behind common diet myths—and why they need to be challenged
• How to start practicing intuitive eating and listen to your body’s natural signals
• Tips for building self-compassion and cultivating a positive body image

This episode is your invitation to ditch the guilt, quiet the food police, and find freedom in your body. Emmy and I want to inspire you to let go of the toxic narratives around dieting and start living a life that feels joyful, healthy, and true to who you are. Tune in for a conversation that’ll leave you feeling empowered to develop a joyful, guilt-free relationship with food.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Book: Just Eat It

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH EMMY BRIGHT:

Instagram: @realgood_nutrition

Website: www.therealgoodnutrition.com

In a world where societal norms often dictate the "right" way to build a family, it's refreshing to hear stories that challenge these conventions.

In this episode, we delve into the journey of surrogacy through the eyes of Brent Landrum, who along with his husband, navigated the complex and emotional process of surrogacy to create their family.

From those first honest conversations with his husband to choosing an egg donor and surrogate, Brent opens up about it all with incredible authenticity. His story shows just how powerful it can be to live life on your own terms, no matter what society thinks.

Here’s what we cover:

• Brent shares the ups, downs, and unexpected challenges of surrogacy.
• The logistics of selecting an egg donor and the decision-making process involved.
• Financial aspects of surrogacy, including costs and potential financing options.
• Societal perceptions and stigma surrounding surrogacy, especially for same-sex couples.
• Encouragement for open dialogue about surrogacy and parenting in non-traditional family dynamics.
• Brent’s practical advice for anyone considering surrogacy.

This episode isn’t just about Brent’s story—it’s about showing that there’s no “right” way to build a family. It's about owning your journey and creating something beautiful, no matter how unconventional.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

Book: Love Makes a Family

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP:

Submit a letter HERE for a Dear Katy episode

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH BRENT LANDRUM:

Instagram: @brent_l85

Facebook: @brent.landrum