Meaning and Moxie After 50

Navigating family dynamics can be a tricky terrain, especially when it comes to giving and receiving unsolicited advice. Diane and I share candid anecdotes about the importance of communication, understanding, and mutual respect. We emphasize how different families manage to constructively support each other, highlighting the importance of love and respect in maintaining healthy family dynamics. T...

Have you ever wondered how shared grief can forge unbreakable bonds? I have an intimate conversation with Nick Gaylord, the creator of the "Our Dead Dads Podcast," as we explore the transformative journey that led him to create a unique platform for people to discuss their experiences of grief. We unpack the complex emotions Nick felt following his father's passing and how these sha...

 What if you could better navigate the challenges of caregiving? This week, I chat with Beth Schibley, a seasoned Program Manager at Aging Matters. Beth takes us through her inspiring path, from her nursing degree to her extensive experience in senior services. The tips and programs she discusses can also be found nationally and internationally. We dive into the resources and programs available to...

ersDaylight shares the story behind her unique name and how it inspired one of her  businesses called, Fun Undertakings. We explore the beauty of celebrating life with heartfelt and individualized memorials, even before someone passes away. Discover the process of planning a life celebration complete with a race car themed casket showcasing the impact of open conversations about death and the heal...

Can wisdom and service deepen with age? Join us as we sit down with Bill Bridgeford, a passionate Peace Corps recruiter who found his true calling after 35 years in the private sector. Bill shares his inspiring story of lifelong admiration for the Peace Corps, which he saw as a beacon of heroism since childhood, and how he finally realized his dream of serving with the organization later in life....

What happens when you trust your doctor, only to find out later that the surgery you underwent was unnecessary? Join me, as I sit down with Susan, an inspiring author and researcher, who shares her incredible journey of self-advocacy after such an experience. Susan's book, "Sidelined: How Women Can Navigate a Broken Healthcare System," sheds light on the importance of questioning me...

My guest, Paula Schuster, shares her emotional journey of leaving a misaligned corporate life behind. Imagine overcoming lifelong addictions and shedding old, unhealthy patterns. This episode recounts our guest's awe-inspiring personal transformation, sparked by her profound energy healing experience. From significant weight loss to quitting cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis after almost four...

Navigating the multifaceted world of caregiving requires both legal and emotional finesse. As we journey through the complex dynamics of caregiving, Allison and I highlight the delicate balance between respect and intervention. Sharing her history as a two-time cancer caregiver for her parents, we discuss the importance of maintaining open communication and strategies for addressing difficult conv...

In this episode of "Meaning and Moxie After 50," host Leslie sits down with Kristina Driscoll, a former financial advisor turned podcasting sensation, whose life took a profound turn when her husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Kristina opens up about the emotional turmoil she faced, from dealing with infertility to navigating the challenging journey of caregiving fo...

 Dr. Mary Mercer shares her inspiring journey from being labeled as a troubled student to becoming a successful psychologist and author. She recounts her personal story, affectionately known as the Victoria story, highlighting the power of optimism and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges and negative labels throughout her life, Dr. Mercer’s unwavering belief in herself and her ability t...

Bob Kittel, a master in memory enhancement, joins us to share the transformative techniques that took him from an inspired student to a sought-after international speaker who has shared stages with Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Donald Trump and many others. When anxiety creeps in, it can feel like a relentless storm. Bob and I discuss the dance between our emotions and well-being, emphasizing the impo...

Discover the secrets to a fulfilling life after 50, as we discuss the golden threads of post-retirement with Lorie Eubank. Prepare to be inspired by many stories, as we explore the power of hobbies and the necessity of a well-crafted plan to ward off boredom and live life to its fullest. Transitioning from a bustling career to the freedom of retirement can feel like sailing into uncharted waters....

When life handed Dr. Laura Maloney lemons, she didn't just make lemonade—she launched a podcast, earned a doctorate, and reshaped the educational landscape along the way.  Ex-banker turned educator and now podcaster, Laura is channeling her Floridian sunshine into the hearts and minds of students and listeners alike. Her narrative is an inspiring blend of dedication and adaptability, as she c...

 I sit down with UFO Investigator Bill Fisk, to unravel the mysteries of unidentified flying objects and their profound impact on our world. Bill, a beacon of knowledge in the UFO community, takes us through the transformative history of MUFON. Together, we dissect the classification of close encounters and shine a light on the training of new UFO investigators in documenting these sightings. The...

I'm  chatting with the delightful Kate Higgins, a licensed clinical social worker turned coach for midlife women, who's challenging the societal norms around aging and harnessing the incredible potential of these transitional years. We dive into Kate's journey, from her bustling life as a therapist in New York to her tranquil new beginnings in sunny Sarasota, Florida.  Kate also off...

 Embark on a journey of discovery as we plunge into the crisp waters of England's South Coast with our guest Jude Liddle, who explains the transformative power of cold-water swimming. Within our conversation, Jude's anecdotes highlight not just the personal benefits she's reaped from this practice but also the sense of camaraderie that emerges among those who share this passion. As...

Meet special guest Robin Hackney, a fitness expert and the woman behind the engaging podcast series, Spandex and Wine. Her journey from the corporate world to the world of fitness is nothing short of inspiring, and she is here to share it all, from initiating her unique podcasting venture to her passion for guiding others in their fitness journey.  She has a knack for fostering connections and bui...

 In this heart-to-heart with the charming Marjoline Hendrikse,  we journey through the chapters of her life.  Marjoline, a Dutch expat with stories as rich as the cultures she's immersed in, recounts her youthful trips across Europe, influenced by a nomadic mother, and how these adventures have made her into the purpose-driven, spirited individual she is today.  She shares stories that are he...

You don't have to be a hiker to feel the magic from this episode. When Janet Hensley and I sit down to chat, it's not just a conversation; it's a passage into the heart of the Appalachian Trail community.  Miss Janet, the trail's own fairy godmother, opens a world with tales of generosity and the transformative power that comes from a  love for nature and the hikers she encount...

Ron and Becky Fox,  join us to recount their love story which began with a lighthearted wager and evolved into a profound partnership. The Foxes guide us through understanding how to clear mental clutter and foster resilience within ourselves,  reshaping our perceptions of life's hurdles. We also discuss the concept of 'Aging to Saging' and the rich potential it holds for personal g...

 A new chapter in life isn't reserved for the young; it's a spark that can ignite at any stage, as Jenny Cheifetz demonstrates. This episode is not merely a conversation about change; it's a toolkit for everyday life.  We explore breathing techniques and visualization exercises and uncover how these simple practices can become our allies against stress and anxiety. We also discuss J...

My guest this week is Jack Bayles. He and his wife Gina own a guiding service near Jackson, Wyoming called Team 399 (see below). Our conversation covers the magnificence of Yellowstone and the profound commitment required to protect these treasured landscapes. We discuss the challenges of preserving species like grizzlies and wolves amidst local resistance and unravel the complexities of wildlife...

When Lisa Roars' health unexpectedly spiraled into an enigma, little did she know it would ignite a quest for wellness that led her to my podcast. Her story is a beacon for anyone navigating the murky waters of health challenges, underscoring the essential role of self-advocacy and the power of alternative healing modalities when conventional medicine provides no clear answers. Lisa and I dis...

This week, we're joined by Kurt Anderson, an international trainer, healthcare veteran, and an ordained minister who reveals the transformative power of recreational therapy in reconnecting youth with disabilities to society. Through his vivid storytelling, Kurt paints a picture of his journey from England to Japan, integrating therapy into community recreation programs, and serving in the he...

Embark on a journey through creativity and connection as we sit down with the delightful Kimberly Smith, the Papered Chef herself, who's turned her passion for paper crafting into a flourishing online presence. Her tale unravels the threads of a life steeped in artistic influence, from a childhood surrounded by her mother's costume creations to the pivotal role her 91-year-old mom now pl...