The Midlife Curriculum

A Gen X Approved, Science-backed Approach to Midlife

Is anyone else craving a fresh take on midlife—one that’s about more than hormones and medical checklists? When I asked this question last week, the response was overwhelming: we’re hungry for a deeper, more honest conversation. Many shared insightful comments and links to writing on your experience of midlife. This confirmed what I’d suspected: we’re ready for a new conversation—one that centers purpose, relationships, and the big questions that actually keep us up at night.

This Midlife Curriculum aims to fill that gap, offering a fresh perspective tailored to our generation's unique experiences. Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a crossroads. Yet, the conversations out there don’t always reflect that. We hear about hormonal shifts or financial planning, but where’s the space to talk about meaning, reinvention, and community?

That’s why I’m creating The Midlife Curriculum—a space for real, relevant conversations about midlife as it’s actually experienced by Gen Xers like us. This isn’t just theory—I’ve spent years designing and leading programs on purpose and reinvention, from Stanford’s Compassion Teacher Training Programs to the global Purpose in a Box bootcamps for Stanford Alumni. My work has been featured in The New York Times, TED Ideas, and BBC, and I’ve worked with leaders at Google, NATO, NASA, and beyond to navigate purpose and reinvention.

The Midlife Conversation Gap

Figures like Brené Brown (59), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (64), and Chip Conley (64) have brought midlife into public discourse, but let's be honest: they're not exactly in midlife anymore. Their journeys reflect incredible privilege—net worths of $10M, $50M, and $250M, respectively. While their insights are valuable, they don't address the challenges faced by those navigating midlife with fewer resources and more constraints. This gap isn't just about money—it's also about time, energy, and social capital. How do we navigate midlife transitions when we're stretched thin on multiple fronts?

Beyond Pop Culture Tropes: What's Missing in Midlife

Pop culture is finally giving midlife women more screen time, but let’s be honest—many of the dominant narratives revolve around dramatic sexual awakenings (Babygirl, All Fours). While those stories resonate for some, and entertain many, they don’t reflect the full reality of midlife. For many of us, midlife is about evolving careers, caregiving, and navigating complex personal relationships. And let’s be real—even the idea of an affair sounds exhausting.

What's Missing in Current Midlife Discourse:

Personal Growth:

• Big Questions: What does enough look like at this stage of life? How do we balance meaning and financial stability? Midlife isn’t about chasing a past version of ourselves—it’s about redefining fulfillment on our own terms.

• Creative Pursuits: Midlife can be a time of renewed creativity and exploration, offering new avenues for self-expression and growth.

• Spiritual Growth: Many find midlife a time to explore reflective practices and find meaning through religious traditions and contemplative practices.

Relationships and Community:

• Deepening Relationships: This includes evolving friendships, family dynamics, and partnerships as we navigate changing life roles.

• Dialogue Matters: Midlife isn't a solo endeavor. Through conversations with trusted friends or groups, we gain clarity and wisdom.

• And so much more…

The Power of Dialogue and Community

Why We Need Each Other in Midlife: Finding Your People

As bell hooks said, "Healing is an act of communion." Research from the Stanford Center on Longevity suggests that strong social connections can increase longevity by 50%. Finding your trusted conversation partners—people who challenge your thinking while offering support—is essential for navigating midlife transitions.

Navigating midlife transitions requires more than just self-reflection; it demands meaningful dialogue with others who understand our journey. In my next article, I’ll delve into the art of cultivating these essential conversations amidst busy lives. We'll examine strategies for connecting with kindred spirits, facilitating authentic conversations, and practical tips to create/sustain them. One subscriber has already transformed her existing book club into a year-long exploration of the Midlife Curriculum.

I'm Leah Weiss—a Stanford lecturer, author, therapist, and mom of three—dedicated to helping people navigate life's big questions with compassion and purpose. Over 25 years, I've worked with CEOs, college presidents, doctors, veterans, and refugees to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. This Midlife Curriculum draws from this experience teaching at Stanford and supporting courageous leaders worldwide.

Let's Find Clarity in the Chaos Together

Subscribe for cultural critique, research-backed insights, and discussion guides designed to spark the conversations that matter. This is a space to explore midlife on our terms—with depth, humor, and just the right amount of Gen X snark.

What You'll Get:

Free Subscribers:

• Weekly(ish) articles: Dive into timely midlife topics with research-backed insights and practical advice

Paid Subscribers:

• Conversation guides: Deepen your understanding with curated research, expert interviews, and thought-provoking discussion prompts

• Community-building playbook: Learn strategies to create and nurture your support network, with actionable tips and checklists

• Regular live sessions: Connect with like-minded individuals to share experiences, challenges, and inspirations in real-time

What midlife questions are on your mind? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s most pressing for you.