How Hard Can It Be? with Diana Maria Riva

Content warning: This episode talks about domestic violence, relationship abuse, emotional control and coercive control. Please listen with care. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7, in English and Spanish, at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Today, host Diana Maria Riva talks with actress and producer Sara Portillo who shares her story of surviving an abusive relationship that started when she was a teenager and lasted nearly 30 years. She talks about the trauma bond, the isolation and the cycle of abuse, and about how she rebuilt her life and learned to love herself again. Diana is also joined by attorney Carmen McDonald and licensed clinical social worker Sylvia Gribble from the Survivor Justice Center, to discuss ways to help survivors, the legal options and resources available to them, and how to support and help a loved one you suspect is experiencing domestic violence. Look for the QR code in this episode for resources or…

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Maria Hinojosa joins Diana Maria Riva to discuss how she’s managed to keep her identity, the secret to her 35-year marriage, and asking her kids for forgiveness for the time her work kept her away from them. Maria also talks about rebuilding in this stage of life, her self-care routine (boxing at 6am?!), and why being called an “elder” won’t slow her down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva is joined by her millennial babes Francia Raisa (Grown-ish, How I Met Your Father) and Jessica Marie Garcia (Liv and Maddie, On My Block) to swap notes on what midlife really looks like. They talk openly about midlife facts and fiction (night sweats, perimenopause, sex drive), the challenges of finding the right OB-GYN before you need one, and the power of embracing a new chapter in life. Francia, Jessica and Diana also discuss dating and relationships, self-trust, and the one message they have for their future selves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva sits down with relationship coach and bestselling author Sabrina Bendory to talk about finding love, recognizing the difference between chaos and chemistry, and the discovering of our true selves in the process. They get into the different types of toxic behavior (love bombing, mirroring, bread crumbing), how movies, TV shows AND dating apps have skewed our views on what healthy relationships look like, and the myth that it’s too late to find love after 40. Whether you're newly single, dating again after divorce, or 30 years into a marriage, this episode speaks the blunt truth to the standards, or lack thereof, we live by. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Ashley Jones (The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, Beyond the Gates) joins host Diana Maria Riva to talk about recognizing anxiety as a legit symptom of perimenopause, her uninvited notification from the AARP, and how forgiveness and even friendship is possible after divorce. Ashley and Diana also quiz a couple of 30-something’s on what is considered TMI on a first date, ageism in daytime TV, and how day-trading has made her feel more empowered than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Elisa Donovan (Clueless,Night at the Roxbury, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) stops by the show and discusses the blow felt when everything you’ve built your identity on disappears at once, the difference between choosing a partner versus a project, and raising a teen with your own father’s voice. Diana and Elisa also discuss the importance of evolving friendships, mastering the art of “I don’t have the bandwidth”, and suddenly changing your mind about marriage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning journalist and 90 Day Fiancé host Shaun Robinson joins the show to talk about the moment she stopped hiding her age and the freedom and relief that came with embracing it. Shaun and Diana also discuss the dangers of AI-perfect influencers, what a body type is even supposed to mean, and why she thinks the universal appeal of 90 Day Fiancé is really about how far people will go to be loved. They also get into how Shaun’s upbringing took her on a life-long journey of philanthropy and helping young women See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab your drink of choice because it’s time for another Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be? This week, Diana and her bestie Tina recap the conversation with legendary media exec Bonnie Hammer and their main takeaways: stop obsessing over running out of time, take the opportunities in front of you, and think of your career as a spider web. They also talk about empty nests, reframing a midlife crisis, and the major event in Tina’s life that rerouted her toward retirement from stress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary media executive Bonnie Hammer sits down with host Diana Maria Riva to talk about how she went from pooper-scooping after a Hollywood stunt dog to becoming Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal and the “Queen of Cable”. As Diana dives into Bonnie's best seller 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: And the Truths We Need to Succeed, they discuss how chasing a childhood dream can keep you stuck and why the career ladder is more of a spider web. Bonnie shares her perspective on “ageism” in the work place, how the “tougher and nastier” mindset can backfire for women, knowing your professional self worth, and has a frank discussion with Diana on not holding back with exploring greater opportunities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor/Director Roselyn Sanchez (Without a Trace, Rush Hour 2, Devious Maids) joins the show to talk about what midlife can look like when you refuse to slow down and why she considers her 40’s & 50’s her greatest hits. Becoming a mom later in life, Roselyn shares how parenthood forced her to finally confront past family trauma. the beauty and challenges of raising a mini-me, and what longevity truly means. All this and the secrets of her long marriage with actor Eric Winter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop and R&B icon Taylor Dayne joins the show and opens up about why turning 50 was the most brutal birthday of her life, her colon cancer diagnosis, and losing “the love of her life”. Taylor also shares her experience of becoming a single mom of twins via surrogacy and the reality of dating apps. And stay for a rapid-fie round where Taylor answers midlife’s hardest questions using her own song titles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time for a new Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be? and this week, Diana and her bestie Tina recap the recent conversation with Sunny Hostin. They get into Sunny’s ruined Mother’s Day trip to Mexico, whether they’re an architect or a raccoon on crack when it comes to loading the dishwasher and why “pivoting” has become the word of this season of life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The View’s Sunny Hostin joins host Diana Maria Riva to discuss how she’s been dealing with midlife’s most fantastic BS. Sunny talks about how her husband’s “surprise” ruined her Mother’s Day celebration and how it’s all part of the secret to a long-lasting marriage, a parent’s involvement in their kids’ romantic lives, and the power of choosing instead of being chosen. All followed by actor Gina Torres surprise crashing the studio and joins the conversation to discuss the benefits of “Panda Time” and the art of breaking your own shit when making a point. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva is joined by OB/GYN Dr. Suzanne Gilberg as they dive head first into a deep discussion on menopause and the vast information and science now available to women. From the more obvious symptoms such as brain fog, mood swings, and low sex drive, to the less obvious like heart disease, type 2 diabetes , and other silent effects of inflammation. Covering topics such as the shocking statistics of dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis in women, Diana and Dr. Gilberg discuss what perimenopause and menopause can actually look like, as well as the healthy and proactive ways to stay informed and empowered in self advocacy. Their in-depth dialogue also taps into the mental health component, and those “I need a RX for my UTI..” phone calls to your doctor at 5:01pm on a Friday. Find The Menopause Bootcamp here. Find Dr. Gilberg's resource sheet here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Carmen Rita Wong joins the show to unpack the family secret that rewrote her identity at 30. Carmen shares the wild story that led to her book “Why Didn’t You Tell Me” (including a Star Wars-style confession), what she thinks about forgiveness vs. understanding, and gives us a masterclass in refusing to carry someone else’s baggage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Justina Machado joins host Diana Maria Riva to talk about their hilarious case of mistaken identity, the harsh reality of dating apps, the FUPA revelation and why society’s expiration date on women is total BS. Justina also shares why turning 50 hit hard and yet achieved one of her biggest dreams after the fact, all while mastering the art of giving less f**ks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diana and Tina recap the recent episode with Judy Reyes. They dig into the themes that resonated with them, including learning to be alone, the struggle to just be still and the lost art of dancing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva is joined by therapist and author Israa Nasir to talk about toxic productivity, the dangers that come with it and how to recognize those warning signs. They will dive deep into exploring why being “busy” can mask itself as self-care and perfectionism, and how our self-worth can get tangled up in our desired achievements. Get Israa's book here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Judy Reyes (Scrubs, High Potential, Claws) joins the show to talk about her midlife moment of choosing motherhood in her 40’s, bringing Nurse Carla's menopause storyline to the Scrubs revival and the power of finally trusting your own voice. Judy also opens up about forgiveness, facing the intimidation of big dreams, and ultimately, fulfilling them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva sits down with Scottish actress, playwright and writer Lynn Ferguson for a conversation that swings from radical acceptance to the surprisingly powerful practice of writing just 50 words a day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be?, host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina look back at the recent conversation with music icon Lisa Lisa. They reflect on Lisa's story of caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, drawing parallels to Tina’s own experience caring for her mom. They also discuss motherhood, redefining retirement, and the surprising self-care ritual Tina shares with Lisa Lisa: folding laundry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva sits down with 80’s icon Lisa Lisa for a moving conversation spanning her secret battle with breast cancer, growing up the youngest of 10 in Hell’s Kitchen, and caring for her mother through Alzheimer’s disease. Lisa openly shares with Diana her big Broadway dream, the zen art of folding clothes, and compares “mom notes’ on the challenge of detaching from their children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iconic Kim Fields joins host Diana Maria Riva for a raw and joyful conversation about what it really means to be a Gen X woman still in motion. Kim shares how she's avoided becoming a statistic, and the moment she realized she was "Burr in a world full of Hamiltons." They talk body image, the trap of comparison, giving yourself permission to look back, and why she's tired of the BS — but never tired of the work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina are back for a happy hour recap of the Constance Marie episode. They discuss why Tina has practically danced with Prince and David Bowie, where women land on the household totem pole and keeping the spark alive in long relationships. The conversation takes a hilarious turn as Diana shares her midlife dating adventures, including swiping through "Bob the Builder" lookalikes and turning down a 32-year-old suitor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Constance Marie joins host Diana Maria Riva for a rollercoaster conversation from being last on the list, to single motherhood, and the wild world of dating apps (clean shirts and punctuality, is that too much to ask?!). And what better way to celebrate 60 than with a Sesentañera…A sesenta-WHAT? From disappearing eyebrows and why Gen X women refuse to stop pivoting, Diana and Constance compare notes and dive in deep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diana Maria Riva sits down with author and podcast host Wendy Valentine for a conversation about how the scariest moment of your life can actually be the beginning of your best chapter. Wendy shares how hitting rock bottom in her mid 40’s — divorce, debt, depression, and devastating loss — led to a wild vision of driving an RV across the country. Diana and Wendy also talk about the importance of becoming your own BFF, setting boundaries, and why Gen X women are just getting started. Wendy Valentine is the author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play and host of The Midlife Makeover Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab that Prosecco, it’s time for a new Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be? This week, host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina reflect on the recent episode with actress Lisa Vidal. Diana and Tina talk about keeping the spark alive after 35 years of marriage, navigating the unimaginable loss of a child and the importance of showing up for friends in their darkest moments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Lisa Vidal sits down with host Diana Maria Riva for a raw, heartfelt conversation about the realities of aging, the beauty of long marriages, and the devastating loss of her son. Lisa opens up about her 36-year marriage, battling breast cancer while being the family breadwinner, and how she chooses healing every single day. Lisa and Diana also laugh through midlife's greatest hits — bingo wings, chin hairs, disappearing eyebrows, and the foreplay of Pinterest. Please note this episode contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for immediate help. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Diana Maria Riva welcomes actress Gina Torres to talk about the messy, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional journey of becoming an empty nester. From IKEA shelf disasters to red-eye drop-offs, Diana and Gina discuss the importance of rediscovering who you are on the other side of motherhood. All this and a rapid fire game of hot flashes, self-care, and spontaneous sex. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time for another bonus Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be? This week, host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina discuss the conversation with Holly Robinson Peete, including their takes on the separate bedrooms trend, menopause sleep struggles, and Holly’s inspiring approach to her son’s autism diagnosis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holly Robinson Peete joins Diana Maria Riva for a refreshingly blunt discussion about the lessons, discoveries, and surprises of midlife. From the joy of separate bedrooms (and a Great Dane named Atlas) to life with an adult child with autism, Holly opens up about defying the long list of “never’s” that came with her son RJ's diagnosis. Diana and Holly engage in a comical conversation full of laughs and moving honesty as Holly shares her journey of “letting go”, the joys of Japan, Instagram shopping, and her 90-year-old mother’s fearless approach to aging. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be?, host Diana Maria Riva is joined by her best friend of over 40 years, Tina, for a glass of prosecco and a heartfelt chat. They reflect on the Eva Longoria episode and dive into Tina's inspiring pivot — from owning the biggest driving school in Cincinnati's tri-state area to selling the business and opening a spa in her house. They celebrate the power of asking "why not?", the freedom of saying no after 50, and how age can quiet self-doubt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the debut episode of How Hard Can it Be?, host Diana Maria Riva sits down with her close friend Eva Longoria - actress, producer, director, activist, and executive producer of this very show - for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really means to be a Gen X woman navigating midlife. From being the regents of resourcefulness to the indignities of chin hair and gravity, they talk about it all: the company you keep, the power of saying no, why society's "expiration date" for women is total BS, and yes - the optimal timing for sex. Hilarious, honest, and unapologetically real. Take the sleep type test here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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