Surviving the Midlife Trifecta: Menopause, Divorce and Dating
Angela Burk
Author of Real Girls Guide to Midlife
listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Sometimes midlife doesn’t unfold neatly, one chapter at a time.
Sometimes it hits all at once.
Menopause symptoms you didn’t see coming.
A marriage that didn’t turn out the way you planned.
And the unexpected question of whether you’ll ever date again—let alone want to.
That’s what I call the midlife trifecta, and it’s exactly what today’s guest, Angela Burk, knows intimately.
Angela is the author of REAL GIRLS GUIDE TO MIDLIFE, an award-winning marketing strategist, mom of three, bonus mom to four, and a woman who has lived straight through menopause, divorce, and dating—and lived to tell about it with humor, honesty, and a refreshing lack of bullshit.
This conversation is for the woman who feels like her body, relationships, and sense of self are all shifting at the same time—and she’s not sure what’s normal anymore.
Menopause Isn’t One Neat Chapter
Angela shares her experience of menopause unfolding in three distinct waves, including symptoms that showed up long after she thought she was “done.” We talk about why the 12-month marker can be misleading, how symptoms can evolve unexpectedly, and why listening to your body over time—not dismissing it—is critical in midlife.
If you’ve ever thought, Wait… why is this happening now? — you’ll feel deeply seen.
The Cost of Editing Yourself
One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the realization that many women hit midlife and suddenly see just how much they’ve been editing themselves—to keep the peace, to make things work, to keep everyone else comfortable.
Angela reflects on how this showed up in her career, her marriage, and her role as a mother—and why midlife became the moment she could no longer ignore it.
This part of the conversation may land like a gut punch—in the best possible way.
Divorce, Dating, and Letting Go of the Rulebook
We also talk candidly about divorce in midlife and the emotional work that has to happen before dating again—even when hormones are fluctuating and confidence feels shaky.
Angela shares how she learned to sit with grief, name what she was feeling, and give herself permission to move forward without a perfect plan. Her current relationship—long-distance, unconventional, and deeply fulfilling—challenges the idea that there’s one “right” way to do love in midlife.
What You’ll Walk Away With
This episode isn’t about fixing yourself or blowing up your life. It’s about:
• Understanding that menopause can change in unexpected ways
• Recognizing when you’ve outgrown old roles and beliefs
• Letting go of the idea that there’s a correct timeline for marriage, divorce, or dating
• Building a life and relationships that actually fit who you are now
If you’re in midlife and quietly wondering whether it’s too late to want something different, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are—and nudge you to pay attention to what’s asking to change next.
About Angela Burk:
Angela Burk, author of REAL GIRLS GUIDE TO MIDLIFE*, is an award-winning marketing strategist, mother of three, bonus mom to four, and fierce advocate for women reclaiming their stories at midlife. She splits her time between California and Australia with her partner, proving that the best chapters often require a passport, grit, and zero apologies.
realgirlsguide.com | @realgirlsguide55 | Angela’s Substack
*This is an affiliate link. I may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase from this link.
🎧 Other Episodes You Might Enjoy:
Laughing Through the Midlife Sh*tshow: Divorce & Reinvention with Donna Johnsen
Your Body Isn’t the Problem—A Midlife Health Reframe
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Disclaimer:
Belong Wellness and its members, managers, employees, contractors, and other agents or representatives are not licensed medical care providers and do not provide medical services or advice, including without limitation diagnosing, examining, preventing, treating, or curing any medical conditions. The information shared in this podcast is meant to be educational, not prescriptive. Please consult your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Further, the opinions of guests on this show do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Jessica or anyone affiliated with Belong Wellness.
