Episode 209

It's Your Turn To Live a Larger Life with NPR's Alison Aubrey

Published on: 7th September, 2026

Have you hit a wall in midlife and started wondering if it's too late to build something bigger? This episode gives you concrete, science-backed practices for answering that question and reclaiming the life you actually want. Diana talks with NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey, author of Your Turn: How to Create a Midlife You Love, about what it took for her to move from decades of striving and burnout toward something freer and more her own — from parts work that names the "striver" running the show, to turning a big dream into a realistic plan, to the strength training that keeps you capable and free as you age.

Listen and learn:

  • How IFS (parts work) can help you find the striver part driving your burnout — and make room for who you were before the world had expectations of you
  • The WOOP method for turning a big wish into a workable plan by naming the real obstacles in your way
  • Why dream incubation is backed by real science, not superstition — and how to try it tonight
  • The "nine lives" exercise: a two-minute writing prompt that reveals what you actually want, underneath what you think you should want

Listen to the full conversation now — and if it speaks to you, share it with someone standing at the edge of their own larger life.

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Join us for the next Tell the Truth salon with Rosemerry Trommer.

Join Dr. Diana Hill live in Santa Barbara for a Tell the Truth salon event Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. The salon takes place October 1st at 5:00 live, in person and online. Get your tickets before they sell out.

Tell the Truth Salon Series

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Gain the wisdom and skills to help you put your energy into the life you want to live. I’m ready to help you get there.
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    About the Podcast

    The Wise Effort Show
    The Science and Practice of Putting Your Energy Where It Matters Most
    The Wise Effort Show with Dr. Diana Hill is a show about how to live wisely.

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    Diana Hill

    Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, international trainer and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Host of the podcast Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, and the upcoming book Wise Effort, Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives.

    Integrating her over 20 years of meditation experience with yoga and psychological training, Diana guest teaches at InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, Praxis Continuing Education, Yoga Soup and Insight Timer Meditation. She is on the board for the Institute for Better Health, and blogs for Psychology Today and Mindful.org. Diana practices what she preaches in her daily life as a mom of two boys and bee guardian. Go to drdianahill.com or her channels on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (@drdianahill) to learn more.