THE 40 PORTAL PODCAST
A coming of aging story, told by 40 real women
The night before my 40th birthday, I did something kind of wild. I asked women to sign my yearbook — but not with well wishes.
I wanted wisdom.
What they wrote was so raw and honest that I couldn't stop asking.
New episodes weekly starting January 25, 2026.
Submit your wisdom.
Since July 2025 when I turned 40, I’ve been collecting handwritten wisdom & vulnerable questions from women in their 30s, 40s, 50, 60s, 70s, & 80s.
Every episode of the 40 Portal is anchored by handwritten wisdom. Submitted by listeners. By you.
Welcome to the Portal, babe.
I'm Catherine Zack (you can call me Cath), and I'm the host and creator of The 40 Portal.
I'm a former Big Law attorney who left the partnership track 12 years ago because I was kinda dying inside. Now I teach meditation to skeptical high-achievers, coach women through threshold moments, and run a brick & mortar yoga studio in the Hudson Valley.
I've walked through a lot of portals. Some I chose. Some chose me.
And here's what I know: You can't perform your way through a portal. You can't productivity-hack your way into being.
You have to actually BE with yourself. Know yourself. Remember who you are.
That's what this podcast is about.
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Go Deeper.
I offer 1:1 Portal Sessions for women in threshold moments. I also speak to organizations about retention, burnout, and what women actually need. Tell me what brought you here and let's talk.