The Uplifters

Discover how award-winning journalist Ruthie Ackerman challenged every motherhood myth and became a first-time mother at 43 in this powerful episode about midlife reinvention and career change. In this conversation, we explore Ruthie's journey from believing she inherited a "flaw" that made her unsuitable for motherhood to writing the critically acclaimed memoir "The Mother Code." Learn how she navigated perimenopause career change, questioned limiting beliefs, and discovered alternative models of motherhood that allowed her to pursue both creative work and caregiving. If you're a midlife woman wondering whether it's too late to start over during menopause, change careers, or pursue your creative dreams, this episode offers proof that life after 40 can include profound transformation. Ruthie shares practical strategies for building courage capital through writing, scheduling your brave work, and learning to receive support—essential wisdom for any woman pursuing midlife dreams. What You'll Learn: How to change careers after 40 with authenticity — Ruthie's path from journalism to memoir writing and book coaching Starting over during menopause with creative courage — Becoming a first-time mother at 43 and pursuing writing simultaneously Building confidence after 40 as a creative professional — Practical strategies for scheduling your brave work Perimenopause motivation for women writers — Turning down the volume on your inner critic while creating Women over 40 rewriting their stories — Questioning inherited beliefs and family narratives Midlife transformation through authentic storytelling — How memoir writing became Ruthie's path to courage Second act career success stories — From published journalist to acclaimed memoirist and book coach Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction4:00 - The family narrative that shaped Ruthie's entire life9:00 - Discovering alternative models of "outlaw motherhood"17:00 - The courage to write when your inner critic screams24:30 - Over-functioning and learning to receive support31:00 - Her first book deal fell through, then Random House said yes (after 37 rejections)37:00 - Uplifting other uplifters: Sloane Davidson nomination Key Takeaways: For midlife career changers: Success isn't about being fearless—it's about doing the work scared and showing up consistently with a calendar block that says your work matters For women over 40 seeking purpose: Question the stories you've inherited. Sometimes our most limiting beliefs are just narratives waiting to be investigated with a journalist's curiosity For perimenopause creatives: You don't need to silence your inner critic, just actively choose not to listen while you create your most authentic work Featured Quote: "The only thing I could think is that continuing to write is the most worthy, courageous thing that I could do." — Ruthie Ackerman Resources & Links: Ruthie's memoir: "The Mother Code: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Myths That Shape Us" Instagram: @ruackerman LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruthieackerman The Ignite Writers Collective (Ruthie's book coaching practice) Ruthie's Substack: "The Spark" (monthly recommendations, craft lessons, and writer spotlights) About Ruthie Ackerman: Award-winning author Ruthie Ackerman's writing has appeared in Vogue, Glamour, O Magazine, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and more. Her Modern Love essay for the New York Times became the launching point for her memoir, "The Mother Code: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Myths That Shape Us." Ruthie launched The Ignite Writers Collective in 2019 and has since become an in-demand book coach and developmental editor helping women over 40 tell their most authentic stories. A Peabody Award-winning former producer for The Colbert Report and Columbia Journalism School alumna, she became a first-time mother at 43, proving it's never too late for a second act career transformation. She lives in Brooklyn with her family. About Your Host: Aransas Savas is a wellbeing and leadership coach specializing in helping women over 40 navigate midlife transitions, career changes, and second-act reinvention. With 20+ years of behavioral research experience partnering with companies like Disney, Weight Watchers, and Best Buy, she hosts The Uplifters Podcast, featuring women doing transformative work in the second half of their lives. Aransas brings both research rigor and personal experience to conversations about courage capital, midlife transformation, and building meaningful second acts. Connect with Aransas: Instagram: @aransas_savas Podcast Instagram: @the_uplifters_podcast TikTok: @theuplifterspodcast Facebook: Aransas Savas Website: theuplifterspodcast.com YouTube: @theuplifterspodcast LinkedIn: Aransas Savas Keywords: perimenopause career change, women over 40, midlife reinvention, menopause second act, starting over at 40, women changing careers 40s, midlife transition women, second half of life, courage capital, midlife transformation, women writers over 40, creative careers midlife, perimenopause motivation, writing during midlife, midlife purpose women, second act career women, women 40s new career, building confidence after 40, midlife motherhood, perimenopause fresh start, memoir writing midlife, challenging limiting beliefs, alternative motherhood models, late bloomer success stories Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe