Season 2 Finale: Reflections, Growth and Gratitude

It’s June! Tara and Tina are ready for swimsuits, sunscreen, and slower days. But before they head to the beach, they want to bring their second season of Messy Middlescence to a close. This season finale has no fireworks, cliffhangers or special guests. Just two sisters sitting down to process what this season has meant to them.

In this short but heartfelt finale, they look back on the 20 (!!) episodes of Season 2 and discuss their favorite episodes, the moments that moved them, and the conversations that made them laugh, cry, and grow. They also share some behind-the-scenes information, talk listener growth, and dream aloud about what’s ahead for Season 3. This episode is as much about looking back as it is about looking ahead—with gratitude, perspective, and hope. If you’re in your own season of change or reflection, we hope it helps you feel seen, inspired, and ready for summer.

🎧 Highlights include:

• The success of using a theme throughout the season and how that allowed us to delve deep into a topic but still explore and discuss other issues and ideas.
• The continual presence of grief and loss in our lives.
• The episodes that made us laugh the hardest and cry the most.
• Why Anne Marie Lockmyer’s insights were a game-changer—and why Steve Toman’s episode was the perfect season closer
• The evolving rhythm and confidence in our podcasting process
• Why listener connection and feedback matter more to us than downloads
• What we’re hoping to explore next (hint: “elder-essence” might be on the horizon!)
• Summer intentions: from triathlon training and beach weeks to fresh tomatoes and Great Gatsby rereads
• The bittersweet beauty of this phase of life—and how Messy Middlescence helps us feel a little less alone