An Imperfectly Perfect Life with Shari Leid

Send us a text

Stepping away from a decades-long marriage isn’t simply ending a relationship—it’s reimagining your entire future during what should be your golden years. In this deeply personal and enlightening conversation, family law attorney and former judge Michelle Locke shares her professional and personal insights into the unique challenges of ending long-term marriages.

Michelle brings both legal expertise and firsthand experience to the table, having recently navigated her own divorce. She dismantles the often-intimidating landscape of “gray divorce” (her preferred term: “long-term marriage dissolution”) with practical wisdom about financial realities, legal considerations, and emotional transitions that differ significantly from divorces earlier in life.

Discover why consulting an attorney months before filing could save you thousands, the crucial importance of developing your “Plan B” financial scenario, and how legal approaches vary dramatically between states. Michelle explains how expert guidance helps navigate complex asset division for retirement accounts, businesses, and even digital properties like iTunes libraries worth thousands. She offers candid advice about attorney selection, communication pitfalls during proceedings, and the often-overlooked post-divorce checklist that many discover too late.

Beyond the legalities, Michelle shares the profound personal transformation that awaits on the other side of divorce. “Peace is priceless,” she explains, describing how many clients find unexpected happiness and authenticity despite having fewer material possessions. Whether you’re contemplating divorce, currently navigating proceedings, or rebuilding post-divorce, you’ll find valuable strategies and genuine hope in this conversation.

Ready to understand what divorce after decades might mean for your future? In the midst of a gray divorce? On the other end – post divorce? Listen now, and discover why knowledge truly is power during this pivotal life transition.

For more information about Michelle Locke, please visit her website, https://www.michelelocke.com/

To work with Shari Leid, visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari’s publicist, Kourtney Jason, at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

To purchase Shari’s latest book, Table For 51 – Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options.

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code <podcast> for $100 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Fear after divorce is not a warning—it’s a sign you’re stepping into the life you’ve been praying for. This heartfelt episode explores the challenging yet transformative journey of rebuilding after a long marriage ends.

Standing alone for the first time in decades can feel terrifying. When your support systems have changed and you’re solely responsible for crafting your future, that fear often masquerades as love, tempting you to cling to what’s familiar rather than what’s right. But what if we’ve misunderstood fear completely? What if that uncomfortable feeling isn’t a stop sign but a green light indicating you’ve leveled up?

I share a profound personal moment when I discovered my past self had created a roadmap for my current journey without even knowing it. Reading through my own book of quotes, I realized the wisdom I needed most had been within me all along—like a love letter from my former self to the woman I am becoming. This clarity revealed that the miracles I had been praying for weren’t distant wishes but present realities I simply needed to recognize.

For everyone sitting in that place of uncertainty after marriage, I offer three powerful reflections: Where are you confusing fear with love? How might fear actually be evidence of your expansion? What miracles are already sitting quietly in your life? These questions help transform what feels like breakdown into breakthrough, revealing that you aren’t losing your life—you’re stepping into your real one.

Ready to reframe your fear and discover the freedom that awaits on the other side? Listen now, and remember: you’re not breaking down, you’re breaking through, and you’re more ready than you think.

To work with Shari Leid, visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari’s publicist, Kourtney Jason, at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

To purchase Shari’s latest book, Table For 51 – Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase Shari’s Friendship Series book to journal through , Ask Yourself This, – visit Amazon

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code <podcast> for $100 off

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Dive deep into the fascinating world of mature dating and relationships with our special guest Glen Gilbert, host of “The Glen Gilbert Connection” podcast. Glen brings his opinions on modern relationships among seasoned adults to this candid, entertaining conversation that touches on everything from prenuptial agreements to the reasons many men in their 50s and 60s approach remarriage with caution.

Whether you’re dating after divorce, considering a serious relationship later in life, or simply curious about relationship dynamics beyond the typical dating advice aimed at younger generations, this episode delivers valuable insights with warmth and humor.

If you’ve ever wondered why relationships seem to get more complex—not less—as we age, or if you’re curious about the practical considerations that sometimes overshadow romantic ideals in mature relationships, you’ll find this conversation enlightening. 

Subscribe, share with friends navigating similar life stages, and join us for more unscripted discussions that embrace the perfectly imperfect nature of relationships and life.

To listen to Glen’s Podcast, The Glen Gilbert Connection, please visit https://1150kknw.com/podcasts/the-glen-gilbert-connection/

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari’s publicist, Kourtney Jason, at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

To purchase Shari’s latest book, Table For 51 – Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code <podcast> for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Ready for a major life change? That moment when you realize the place you’ve called home your entire life might not be where you’re meant to stay forever can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my months-long journey to find a new city to call home.

After traveling across the US in 2023, I discovered something surprising – not only could many places feel like home with intentional effort, but the cost of living throughout the country made Seattle’s expenses seem astronomical by comparison. This revelation sparked a methodical search process based on specific criteria: a strong professional speaking community, proximity to a major airport, significantly lower cost of living, and yes, even social opportunities for someone in my stage of life looking for meaningful connections.

My quest narrowed to four potential cities: Henderson, Scottsdale, Denver, and Dallas. To help announce my final decision, I’ve invited my real estate agent Janeil McCandless to help me reveal what city emerged as the perfect fit. We discuss that inexplicable feeling when a place “just feels right” – that gift of discernment many women experience when house-hunting. Janelle reveals her process of watching clients’ body language and facial expressions to understand their true preferences, sometimes before they can articulate them themselves.

We also dive into practical aspects of relocating that often get overlooked: the importance of early mortgage pre-approval, insurance considerations specific to different regions, and the invaluable “white glove” services that can transform the typically stressful moving experience into something manageable. Janelle shares insider tips about everything from timing inspections to checking neighborhood traffic patterns at different hours.
https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/
Whether you’re contemplating a move yourself or simply curious about what drives major life transitions, this episode offers both emotional insights and practical wisdom for navigating change. Join me as I embark on this exciting new chapter and discover what happens when you follow your intuition to a place that could become home.

To connect with Janeil, please visit her on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/janeilmccandless_realtor/

or via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/janeilmrealtor/https://www.facebook.com/janeilmrealtor/

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari’s publicist, Kourtney Jason, at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

To purchase Shari’s latest book, Table For 51 – Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code <podcast> for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#dallasrealator #dallasrealestate

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Financial protection after divorce isn’t just about dividing assets—it’s about creating a secure foundation for your future. Randy Carver, certified divorce financial analyst, joins me to share crucial steps that can make all the difference between post-divorce struggle and prosperity.

We begin by exploring six essential financial moves everyone should make after finalizing their divorce. Randy explains why understanding your new financial reality requires first determining what you truly need versus what you want. “People sometimes get so caught up in the money they put the cart before the horse,” he cautions, recommending a thoughtful approach similar to planning a meaningful trip—you need to know your destination before choosing transportation.

The conversation takes a revealing turn when Randy shares alarming stories of people who overlooked critical details with devastating consequences. One woman lost her deceased husband’s life insurance proceeds to his ex-wife because beneficiary designations were never updated. Another faced unexpected tax burdens after accepting pre-tax retirement assets while her ex-spouse received already-taxed cash. These cautionary tales highlight why working with specialists like Certified Divorce Financial Analysts can prevent costly oversights.

For those contemplating new relationships, Randy offers five protective strategies for entering second marriages. Beyond prenuptial agreements, he shares surprising insights about maintaining separate assets, updating estate plans to protect children from previous marriages, and navigating the complex healthcare implications of remarriage. His matter-of-fact advice—”Sometimes maintaining a legal separation may be more financially prudent than actually getting married”—challenges conventional thinking about relationships later in life.

Perhaps most valuable are the unexpected nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout our discussion. Did you know unmarried partners need renter’s insurance when moving into a partner’s home? Or that remarriage after 60 can eliminate eligibility for a deceased spouse’s pension or Social Security benefits? Through practical examples and clear explanations, Randy transforms complex financial concepts into actionable strategies anyone can implement.

Whether you’re newly divorced, considering remarriage, or simply planning ahead, this episode provides the financial knowledge you didn’t know you needed. As Randy wisely notes, “It’s never the bus you see coming that hits you”—making preparation your most powerful tool for protecting your financial future.

To connect with Randy, please visit his website Carver Financial Services

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari’s publicist, Kourtney Jason, at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

To purchase Shari’s latest book, Table For 51 – Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at  youtube.com/sharileid

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Have you ever questioned whether alcohol enhances your social connections or simply masks discomfort? When Alysse Bryson first went dancing sober, she had a startling realization: “I don’t know why I ever thought I was a good dancer!” This moment of clarity exemplifies the journey many face when exploring life without alcohol.

In this compelling conversation, Alysse shares insights from her personal recovery journey and her work as founder of The Sober Curator, an online platform offering resources for alcohol-free living. We dive deep into what codependency really means—not weakness or dependency, but “a pattern of self-defeating, learned behaviors that result in a diminished capacity to initiate or participate in loving relationships.” This understanding transforms how we view relationship dynamics when addiction is present.

The concept of having “no off button” provides a window into the neurological reality of addiction. As Alysse explains, “Once I start consuming, whatever the substance is, I can’t stop. I literally can’t stop.” This isn’t about willpower or moral failing; it’s a fundamental neurological difference that those without addiction struggle to comprehend. Her analogy of trying to eat just half a Girl Scout cookie helps bridge this understanding gap.

Our discussion explores how alcohol impacts authentic connection, from dating to workplace culture. With the non-alcoholic beverage sector exploding and celebrities openly discussing sobriety, societal attitudes are shifting. Alysse boldly predicts that by 2030, alcohol consumption might carry similar social awareness as cigarette smoking does today—not eliminated, but recognized for its health implications.

Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or simply interested in understanding addiction’s impact on relationships, this episode offers valuable perspective on creating genuine connections in a culture where alcohol often takes center stage. Try going to your next social event without drinking—you might discover, as many do, that authentic connection actually gets easier with practice.

To connect with Alysse, please visit his website The Sober Curator and/or Alyssebryson.com

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari’s publicist, Kourtney Jason, at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

To purchase Shari’s latest book, Table For 51 – Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code <podcast> for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at Youtube/sharileid

#sobercurious #codependency #alcoholaddiction

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

The journey of selling a home isn’t always tied to joyful life milestones. For many, it happens during challenging transitions like divorce, health issues, or major life changes. In this enlightening conversation with Jen Cameron, managing partner at The Agency Seattle, we explore the nuanced process of selling homes during difficult times.

Jen brings her wealth of experience working with divorcing couples to the table, sharing how a skilled agent creates strategies tailored to complex situations. “Hope is not a strategy,” she emphasizes, revealing that 90% of a successful home sale happens before the property ever hits the market. While many sellers focus on commission rates when interviewing agents, Jen suggests asking instead about their specific strategy for your home and what sets them apart from others.

For those navigating divorce while selling property, timing doesn’t have to align perfectly with legal proceedings. Jen explains how home sale proceeds can go into trust accounts while other aspects finalize, creating flexibility during an already stressful time. She also addresses the importance of proper staging, noting that personal belongings rarely make effective staging elements, no matter how beloved they might be to the seller.

What truly distinguishes exceptional agents is their ability to handle special circumstances with sensitivity. Whether accommodating special needs family members, health concerns, or emotional triggers, Jen describes how customized showing protocols can protect sellers while still maximizing property exposure. Her practice of vetting potential buyers before showings ensures only serious, qualified prospects enter your home.

The takeaway is clear: knowledge is power in real estate transactions. Consulting with a professional early—sometimes a year before listing—provides invaluable guidance and removes unnecessary stress from the process. By finding an agent who understands your unique situation and creates a strategy before the sign goes in the yard, you transform what could be an overwhelming experience into a manageable one with optimal results.

To connect with Jen, please visit his website The Agency Seattle  and/or contact Jen via email at jen.cameron@theagencyre.com

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari’s publicist, Kourtney Jason, at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

To purchase Shari’s latest book, Table For 51 – Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code <podcast> for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at Youtube/sharileid

#theagency #theagencyseattle #homesale 

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Ready for some big news? I’ve decided to trade in my lifelong home of Seattle for a brand-new chapter in Dallas, Texas! This isn’t just a change of address—it’s a complete reinvention at age 55.

When I ended my 27-year marriage a few years ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d even qualify for a mortgage after decades as a stay-at-home mom with no paycheck history. The thought of not having my own home—a place where I could paint my walls without worry—genuinely scared me. But here I am, not only qualifying for that mortgage but building a new life in a community where my two Labradors will have their own neighborhood dog park and I’ll create connections with neighbors all starting fresh together.

The journey from stay-at-home mom to appearing on the Today Show, writing for major publications, and launching a meaningful career didn’t happen magically. It required connection, curiosity, and courage—three elements that have opened unexpected doors at every turn. And now I want to share what I’ve learned through my “Flip the Box” three-day retreats for women navigating major life transitions. Whether you’re experiencing divorce, becoming an empty nester, pivoting careers, or simply feeling that quiet knowing that you’re meant for more—this retreat isn’t about escaping your life but coming home to it.

Not ready for a retreat? I’m also offering 52 weeks of free connection tools—science-backed actions delivered weekly to help deepen your relationships with others and yourself. And this fall, I’ll be taking you along virtually as I make my move, documenting the real-time transformation on YouTube and through more podcast episodes. You’ll see the fears, struggles, mistakes, and triumphs as they happen. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes doors have to close to make room for answered prayers. Ready to flip the box with me? Check out the links in the show notes to connect!

Sign up to receive retreat information: Fill out this quick form

Sign up for 52 free connection tools – a challenge and tool delivered to your email box each week! Sign up here

Purchase Shari’s latest book, “Table For 51” here

To learn more visit: www.animperfectlyperfectlife.com

For Media and Event Planners – to book Shari – Please contact her publicist Kourtney Jason at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Season 3 kicks off with a bang! I’m answering YOUR burning questions about my midlife plot twist—moving from Seattle to Dallas after my divorce, starting over in a brand‑new city, and launching a YouTube series to show you exactly what reinvention really looks like.

From the fears and ridiculous mistakes to the lessons I’ve learned (and the pitfalls you should avoid), this Q&A episode is raw, honest, and just a little bit funny—because if we can’t laugh at the messy parts, we’re doing it wrong.

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® Retreats for women—three unforgettable days designed to bring you home to yourself. While most retreats take you away, these retreats are about helping you reconnect with who you are, what you want, and the life you’re meant to live.  Learn more about the retreats at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Send us a text

Ever wondered if you’re too giving in relationships? That nagging feeling that you’re always putting others first might not just be generosity—it could be codependency.

The revelation hit me hard. As someone who prided myself on independence—building businesses, attending law school, traveling solo—how could I possibly be codependent? That was for “weak” people, right? Wrong. In this deeply personal episode, I’m joined by licensed psychotherapist Connie Curlett to unpack what codependency actually means and why successful, capable people often struggle with it most.

Connie breaks down how codependency manifests as giving too much while receiving too little, driven by an underlying fear of abandonment. We explore the critical difference between genuine support and codependent behavior (hint: it’s all about internal versus external motivation), and why setting healthy boundaries feels so terrifying when you’ve been conditioned to prioritize others’ comfort above your own needs.

This conversation offers revelatory insights for anyone questioning their relationship patterns. Whether you’re recovering from divorce, rebuilding your identity, or simply wondering why your relationships leave you feeling depleted, Connie provides practical strategies for healing—from increasing self-compassion to recognizing when fear is driving your decisions. She explains why others might resist when you begin setting boundaries and offers guidance on staying the course despite pushback.

Ready to become the star of your own life rather than perpetually playing supporting roles in others’ stories? This episode provides the roadmap for moving from codependency toward authentic connection—with yourself and others. Your journey to healthier relationships starts here.

To reach Connie, visit her website at Conniecurlett.com

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® Retreats for women—three unforgettable days designed to bring you home to yourself. While most retreats take you away, these retreats are about helping you reconnect with who you are, what you want, and the life you’re meant to live.  Learn more about the retreats at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation