Meaning and Moxie After 50

In this week's episode,  Dr. Kathleen "Katy" Allen, a lifelong educator with a doctorate in human development, introduces her new book, "Stuck in Our Screens: Setting Aside Social Drama and Restoring Human Connection." Dr. Allen explains that her initial research for the book stemmed from her work on bullying intervention in high schools, where students often described the...

Host Leslie Maloney speaks with Barbara Burgess, author of Enough: Finding Peace in a World Full of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations . The conversation revolves around the common feeling of "not enough," particularly among women, and how Burgess’s book provides a path to finding peace. Burgess shares a personal and touching anecdote about a child who turned her chalk drawings into...

This week we talk with Rodney George, a luxury travel consultant who humorously admits he "flunked retirement." Bored with daily golf, Rodney, inspired by a friend, launched his own travel agency 17 years ago. His office, based in Naples, Florida, now boasts a team with a remarkable combined 185 years of experience in the travel industry. Together, they specialize in crafting personalize...

Dr. Vincent Pearson is a man of many talents — pharmacist, professional bowler, tournament chess player, licensed pilot, and lifelong learner. In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , he shares how following his curiosity and committing to personal excellence has shaped a bold, multifaceted life. With a grounded approach and a spark of humor, Vincent shows us that life after 50 isn’t about...

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie sits down with Diane Allen, a concertmaster violinist and expert on the science and soul of the flow state —that sweet spot where you’re fully immersed, energized, and at your absolute best. Diane breaks down what flow really is (hint: it’s not just “going with it”) and shares how it's rooted in neuroscience and positive psychology. She e...

In this enlightening and entertaining episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Dr. Wendy Walsh—psychologist, author, media personality, and Time Magazine’s Person of the Year—joins us for a deep dive into the realities of love, dating, and relationships after midlife. With her trademark blend of science and sass, Dr. Wendy unpacks everything from attachment styles and emotional intimacy to why dati...

In this episode, I sit down with Kris Urquhart, the dynamic publisher of Natural Awakenings Magazine , to explore what it really means to reinvent yourself with intention, intuition, and a whole lot of heart. Kris shares how she went from a corporate career to stepping into leadership at a national wellness magazine—and how that leap transformed not just her professional life, but her personal gro...

Sages & Seekers , a remarkable program that bridges the gap between older adults and teens. What started as a simple moment of reflection in Elly's car turned into a nationwide movement to break down ageism, reduce social isolation, and spark authentic connections across generations. Elly shares how her lifelong passion for honoring the wisdom of older adults blossomed into a program that...

In this lively and inspiring episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie Maloney sits down with the remarkable Sue Willoughby — a woman who has truly done it all. From piloting planes and performing stand-up comedy to refereeing roller derby and driving limousines, Sue has built a life defined by curiosity, courage, and the willingness to step far outside her comfort zone. But it’s her deep con...

https://www.seattlemoneycoach.com/ In this insightful episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie Maloney sits down with Mikelann Valterra, a veteran money coach and author of Rise Above the Money Fog , to explore the emotional side of financial well-being. Together, they unpack why so many women over 50 feel overwhelmed or disconnected from their money and how emotional spending, financial fog...

In this lively conversation, host Leslie Maloney finally connects one-on-one with her friend Bonnie Dubrow, affectionately known as "the Energizer Bonnie." They dive into Bonnie's infectious energy and explore how she maintains such a vibrant outlook on life. Bonnie shares insights into what fuels her positive spirit and offers glimpses into her coaching philosophy, hinting at the w...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie Maloney sits down with acclaimed filmmaker and photographer Sky Bergman, whose award-winning documentary Lives Well Lived celebrates the voices and life lessons of older adults. Inspired by her own grandmother’s wisdom and vitality, Sky set out to capture the stories of people aged 75 and older who continue to l...

In this inspiring conversation, Robin Jonas shares her personal journey of transformation after 50, focusing on how she reclaimed her health, energy, and sense of purpose. After years of working in a high-stress environment, Robin experienced a health scare that became a major turning point. She opens up about the changes she made to her lifestyle — from incorporating daily walks and meditation to...

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie Maloney sits down with friend and creative powerhouse Susan Rizzo for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation. The two reflect on their evolving friendship and dig into Susan’s inspiring journey through various stages of life—from her work in the arts to her role in building meaningful community projects. Susan shares stories about staying c...

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie Maloney chats with the remarkable Mary Davison, an avid long-distance hiker and author who began taking on ambitious trails in her sixties and into her eighties. Mary shares her journey from casual walker to intrepid adventurer, reflecting on the physical and emotional challenges she faced while hiking iconic routes like the Camino de Santiago...

In this soul-stirring episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie sits down with Bob Sima, a musician, mindfulness guide, and lyrical storyteller who transforms everyday experiences into sacred, musical reflections. Bob shares his fascinating journey from performing in rock bands to becoming a creator of conscious music that heals, inspires, and awakens. With humility, humor, and heart, Bob exp...

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie Maloney dives headfirst into the thorny issue of ageism—both the kind society throws at us and the sneaky, internalized beliefs we carry ourselves. Building on the buzz from a previous episode, Leslie takes a no-nonsense approach to unpack how ageist attitudes show up in everyday life, from subtle comments to deeply ingrained biases. With her...

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Wanita Fleury, a former high school principal who made a bold midlife transition into the world of energy healing. Wanita shares her personal journey of burnout and awakening, describing how the pressures of leadership in education led her to reevaluate her life’s path. Through a series of spiritual nudges, she discovered the power of energy work, which eventual...

In this inspiring episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , host Leslie Maloney sits down with global sailor Fabian Fernandez, who is in the midst of an extraordinary journey to sail around the world. Speaking from Panama, Fabian shares that he is preparing for the final and most challenging leg of his voyage—a solo crossing of the vast Pacific Ocean back to his home in Malaysia. As he approaches th...

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , host Leslie Maloney takes on the topic of ageism —with wit, warmth, and a mission to challenge the outdated narratives around getting older. She explores the two faces of ageism : the societal messages that diminish aging and the internalized beliefs we often carry without even realizing it. Through personal anecdotes, relatable examples, and a sprin...

Ever dreamed of leaving a lasting impact on the world? Cyrus Mejia did just that when he helped found Best Friends Animal Sanctuary , the largest no-kill rescue in the country. What started as a scrappy group with a big idea in 1984 has blossomed into a nationwide movement, saving countless animals and changing the way we think about rescue. In this episode, Cyrus takes us behind the scenes of thi...

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie sits down with her friend Margie Ruzzo, a woman who knows a thing or two about reinvention. From their first meeting at a women’s retreat in North Carolina over a decade ago to the powerful life shifts Margie has embraced since, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real talk about what it means to evolve at any stage of life. Ma...

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , I sit down with Jess Arce, the dynamic founder of 3D Learning Experts, who’s passionate about helping individuals with learning differences unlock their potential. While these challenges are often linked to childhood, Jess sheds light on how learning differences impact adults too—including those of us over 50. Forgetfulness, difficulty adapting to ne...

In this insightful episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 , Leslie Maloney delves into the fascinating world of intuition, offering practical advice and relatable anecdotes on tuning in to that inner wisdom we often overlook. From the classic “gut feeling” to subtle emotional pings, Leslie breaks down ten key reminders for recognizing, trusting, and acting on intuition in everyday life. She highlig...

We kick off this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 with a bang, introducing  guest, DC Frost—a name practically made for the bestseller list. DC didn’t just dip her toes into the world of writing; she dove in headfirst, publishing her first novel after turning 60 and never looking back. DC shares how her storytelling spark ignited as a kid watching The Munsters . That quirky TV show fueled a l...