How To · Holly Bohn Pittman

What I Expected

by Holly Bohn Pittman

Welcome to What I Expected—a podcast for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s about what to really expect, before you experience it. So much about getting older has changed since your grandmother's day, and the advice she used to pass down doesn't always fit the world you're actually living in. Think of this as that same wisdom, updated for modern life—your toolkit for the changes, the purchases, and the moments you wish someone had prepped you for. What to ask, what to plan for, before you spend your money, your time, or your peace of mind. Except it's not a lecture. Think of it like the advice you'd get from your closest girlfriends—minus 47 unread messages. We break through the hype with honest, no-nonsense answers, sensible standards, and zero pressure to keep up. New episodes every Tuesday—covering everything from Pilates to jewelry to the changes your body springs on you—for women who'd rather hear it straight from a friend than find out the hard way.

Latest episodes

Showing 6 · updated from the feed

Buying Fine Jewelry, Part 2: Understanding Jewelry Lingo So You Know What You’re Getting

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever looked at a piece of jewelry online and thought, “Okay…but what am I actually buying?” Waterproof. Hypoallergenic. Gold vermeil. Gold-pla

Sep 29
22 min

Behind What I Expected, Part 1: From Entrepreneur to CEO & Back Again

Send us Fan Mail A few people have asked me the obvious question: Who am I, how did I get here, and why should anyone care what I think about shampoo, jeans, skincare or

Sep 21
29 min

Buying Fine Jewelry, Part 1: Diamonds, Lab vs. Natural & What to Know Before You Buy

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wanted to buy a diamond or another piece of fine jewelry, but felt like you should already know what you’re doing before you walk into the

Sep 15
26 min

Hair After 40: Thinning, Gray, Frizz, and What You Can Do About It

Send us Fan Mail Your ponytail's suspiciously thinner, your texture's changed, the grays multiplied, and suddenly your hair requires a negotiation. I sit down

Sep 1
35 min

Watches 101: The "No-Stupid-Questions" Guide to Buying a Nice Watch

Send us Fan Mail Have you wanted to buy a "nice" watch but were too embarrassed to ask the basic questions at the counter? This one's for you. I sit down with Sara

Aug 25
39 min

Pilates: What to Expect Before Your First Lesson

Send us Fan Mail Pilates has been having a moment online lately, especially reformer Pilates — and I remember exactly how overwhelming that felt when I was starting out.

Aug 18
24 min