Where I Was This Week...

Plus, weird things we do in midlife!

November 14, 2025

Hi friends-

I’m still buzzing from earlier this week, when I had the opportunity to speak at the Women Lead Change Conference in Quad Cities, Iowa!

Not only was I able to encourage women to step into their leadership (and through all our doubts), I was also able to bring my girl, who is now (gulp!) 18-years-old. 

Caroline joined me for the quick trip and I can’t tell you how meaningful the work becomes when you can invite your kids into the process. It honestly has removed a TON of  mom guilt about working. That’s one thing I wish I could go back and tell myself about 10 years ago–invite your kids into the process, tell them why you work (to help people and support our family), ask them advice about what you’re dealing with at work, etc. My kids honestly get excited for me now because they’re part of it and invested in it. Whereas years ago, I demonized work and it only amplified the #MomGuilt because my kids then mirror’ed everything I was saying. 

While my life isn’t quite as “glamorous” as it was when I worked in TV, it’s so fulfilling. Being able to pour myself into CARRY Media, advocating for working moms + families, plus speaking/hosting and the podcast. 

Speaking of the podcast, this month we’re having so much fun talking about MIDLIFE: The Great Awakening. I admitted in this week’s episode that since turning 50, I am taking advantage of every single discount available, which included buying a Senior Discounted Movie Ticket when taking Caroline and her college friend to the movies recently. I’m quite confident that you’re either 100% with me on this one, or totally judging me LOL. In my defense, the internet says that some theaters start offering senior discounts as early as 50, and joining organizations like AARP can provide access to a smattering of senior-level discounts BEGINNING AT AGE 50. Guess who’s buying an AARP membership? Me! 

What do you think about me buying that Senior Discounted Movie Ticket?

How do you feel about buying that Senior Discounted Movie Ticket?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Before I sign off, I’d like to give you the first opportunity to weigh in on our December episodes, which have become an annual thing for John (hubby) and me. We always do our ASK US ANYTHING episodes to close out the year. So, this is your chance—what questions do you have for us? You can respond to this email, DM me on IG, or weigh in on the comment section of this newsletter. I know you have some great questions brewing, so fire away!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

-Paula xo

FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. The BEST Tool For Building Muscle in Mid-Life!

My neighbor asked me what I was wearing on my walk this morning as she thought it was a contraption to help my posture. She was close! I was wearing my weighted vest, which I explained to her does help with posture, but more importantly, it helps build bone density and muscle mass, which will keep us out of  the nursing home. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask me what my favorite vest is, so I’ll share it once again. BUY THIS one on Amazon, as it’s the best bang for your buck. Make sure you order one that’s approximately 10% of your body weight.

2. The COZIEST Bed Sheets!

‘Tis the season and COZY EARTH has my whole heart this holiday season because I started using their cooling bed sheets a few months ago and I am sleeping SO WELL. They naturally wick away the heat from your body and help you sleep several degrees cooler. Plus, they have a 10 YEAR WARRANTY. Use my code: PAULA for up to 40% off everything, including their cozy blankets and pajama sets.

3. Another Great DEAL - 40% EVERYTHING AT ABLE

While we’re talking about deals, get 40% off EVERYTHING at ABLE using the code: CARRY.  Their jewelry and leather bags are some of my faves!

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

MIDLIFE: The Big Awakening—When Does It Really Begin?

Welcome to MIDLIFE: The Big Awakening — where the weighted vests are real, the fountain drinks are flowing, and the existential questions hit differently.

I’m kicking off this new month-long series with my husband, John, and my friend Liz Bohannon — author, speaker, and mom of three — to tackle the big question: When does midlife actually begin?

For me, it’s when you’re touching up your grays every two weeks, comfortable shoes suddenly feel sexy, 10 p.m. qualifies as a “late night out,” and you start getting weirdly nostalgic about, well… everything.

We’re laughing our way through the weird, wonderful in-between — where your body changes, your confidence deepens, and your priorities finally start to make I

sense.

Whether you’re 35 or 55, I think you’ll feel seen, laugh hard, and maybe even realize: midlife isn’t the beginning of the end — it’s the start of waking up.

MIDLIFE: Top Signs You’re In It (and the Weird Things We Do)

Midlife hits, and suddenly you’re doing things you swore you’d never do. I’m talking about tending a plant army like it’s a full-time job, nurturing a sourdough starter like it’s a child, obsessing over pickleball like it’s the Olympics, and thinking a “quiet night in” is a vacation.

In this second episode of our month-long series on MIDLIFE, John, Liz, and I confess the weird, hilarious, and sometimes borderline embarrassing habits that come with hitting the middle lane of life. We talk about rituals, obsessions, and tiny victories (like finally finding the perfect reading glasses or the right high-protein snack combo) that make midlife…well, weirdly satisfying.

If you’ve ever caught yourself Googling “is this normal in midlife?” or just stared at your growing collection of random hobbies and thought, yep, this is me now, this episode is for you.

POLL RESULTS:

In our last poll, which was in light of my 50th birthday, I asked how you prefer to celebrate your birthday? Almost 70% of you said “Quiet night with friends and family”. Here are some of your responses…including the first one, which I figured out is from my older sister, Mary. haha! 

➡️ “Throw me a party b/c I love being the center of attention once in a while! It makes me feel important and loved. :)” 

➡️ “Yes I enjoy a quiet night with friends and family but I do enjoy lunch and shopping with my daughter or friends as well! ”

➡️ “Spa day and dinner with friends/family later!”

➡️ “I used to love having a birthday party, especially surprise parties but now that I'm older, I just want to NOT cook and host a few folks. Or, the best is a dinner out with each of my friends separately! 🤣”

➡️ “Take a trip to a new country. I went to Iceland for my 50th birthday!”

➡️ “I could take the noise of laughter but spending time with the family brings me the most joy!”

➡️ “Usually my husband makes steak and lobster for our family; the two of us, our two daughters, their spouses and our grandson. It is my favorite meal, we all enjoy it. And then we spend the rest of our time playing a game or cards or just visiting. I just love it.”

➡️ “I’d like for my family to recognize my birthday… as mom I’m always planning for others birthdays but mine seems to go unnoticed ”

➡️ “Today is my birthday and I’m celebrating with a trip to Las Vegas to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere!”

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? - Paula

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