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We've never been stronger, smarter or more capable than we are right now. So why do we doubt ourselves more than we ever have? It's not a coincidence, and it's not just you. In this solo episode, I get into where that doubt really comes from, and what it quietly does to the things we want for our lives. If you find yourself second-guessing the very thing you know you're ready for, you're going to want to listen to this. If you love what you heard please share it with another midlife woman. Leave us a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform,  screenshot it, and email it to [email protected] for a free OCKS hat.

At 60, Anne Abel booked eight Bruce Springsteen concerts across Australia and got on a plane alone — after decades of severe recurrent depression, three rounds of electroconvulsive therapy, and a childhood spent trying to earn a narcissistic mother's love. She didn't go for fun. She'd never really had fun. She went because a rock concert was the only structure she could find to stay out of what she calls "the abyss." She had no idea that trip would become the start of a total reinvention — one that would take her from a psychiatric hospital in Maryland to storytelling stages in Chicago, to a bestselling memoir, to over 700,000 social media followers in her seventies. In this conversation, Anne opens up about growing up with an emotionally abusive, narcissistic mother, three rounds of ECT, the humiliating voice in her head that called her "pathetic" for chasing an aging rock star, and the exact moment — watching Springsteen sing "Dream Baby Dream" in Sydney — that she realized she'd never once let herself dream. We talk about: Growing up with a "dark triad" parent and spending a lifetime trying to win her love Why three rounds of electroconvulsive therapy weren't the thing that finally helped The impulsive decision that took her from a parking garage to eight concerts in five Australian cities The stranger's kindness that changed how she saw herself Why she walked out of her psychiatrist's office and never went back Becoming an "elder storyteller" and writing her bestselling memoir, High Hopes The four principles she now believes make transformation possible: connection, perseverance, openness, and hope Her advice for midlife women who feel like it's too late to start over Anne's story is proof that you don't need a plan, a diagnosis to clear up, or permission from anyone else to take the next step. You just trust enough to take it. Anne's book: High Hopes Also by Anne: Maddie Milo and Me Find her: @AnneSimaAbel on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook | anneabelauthor.com

When we're facing uncertainty, most of us have a version of 'safe' we go back to. The job. The title. The comfortable path that makes sense to everyone else. In this episode, Colleen Porter shares her reinvention story — after a transition that ended a decades-long career in male-dominated industries, she tried to go back to what she knew. That's when everything changed. It was the confirmation she needed that she'd outgrown the safe path for good. That 'failure' became the launch pad she needed to finally give herself permission to fully own her next chapter — and move forward on her  terms. If you've ever talked yourself back into something that stopped fitting — this one is for you. If this episode resonates, leave us a 5-star rating and written review telling us what landed. Screenshot your review, send it to [email protected], and get an OCKS hat shipped directly to your door."

This week on the podcast I’m chatting with Jodi Echakowitz, who in her 50s underwent an incredible physical fitness transformation — going from feeling exhausted and disconnected from her body to fitness competitions and photo shoots. But the most powerful part of Jodi’s journey isn’t what we see on Instagram — the gym time or the nutrition posts. It’s the quiet, behind-the-scenes work that changed everything: the mindset shifts and identity transformation that now influence how she shows up in her life, her body, and the world. Jodi shares why having the right program and support matters — but also why real, lasting change doesn’t come from pushing harder or doing more. It comes from seeing yourself differently and changing the inner narrative and self-talk that drive your choices. We talk about why the way we speak to ourselves matters more than we realize, why mindset is often the missing link in lasting change, and how identity quietly shapes our habits and results. Jodi’s story isn’t just about changing her body — it’s about transforming the way she approaches her life. If you’re on any kind of transformation journey, physical or otherwise, this episode is one you’ll want to hear. Follow Jodi's journey on [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau who, as the former wife of the Prime Minister of Canada,  has navigated her own very public midlife reinvention.  This is a conversation about what happens after the life you thought you were living no longer fits.  Sophie opens up about embracing uncertainty, making brave decisions without having all the answers, and learning to trust yourself when the path forward isn’t clear.  We talk about the discomfort that comes with choosing yourself — especially when everyone is watching — and why that discomfort is often a sign you’re exactly where you need to be. She also shares insights inspired by her book, Closer Together, and the deep inner work that comes with reconstructing who you are in a new season of life. This episode is for you, the woman standing at a crossroads — the one who feels called to something more, but hesitates because she’s scared and quietly asking herself, “What the heck am I doing?” If you’re contemplating a leap — quiet or bold, private or public — this conversation is a reminder that choosing yourself isn’t selfish… it’s the first step in coming home to who you really are. ------------ Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is a Canadian-born best-selling author, public speaker,  mental health advocate, television host, and certified yoga teacher for both adults and children.  Her work for gender equality and empowering women and youth has been recognized by multiple organizations including the United Nations. Her instant national bestseller and Best on Audible (2024) book Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other has inspired readers across North America and beyond. Sophie has spoken on hundreds of global stages about mental health and emotional well-being including Yale’s Faculty of Medicine, Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi, SxSw in Austin, Texas, Global Citizen and other events at the United Nations in NYC.  She has hosted television and radio programs in Canada, collaborated with leading international organizations as a global ambassador and her voice has been featured in documentaries, podcasts, magazines and conferences worldwide. Through her teaching, writing, and advocacy, she continues to champion wellness, resilience, and connection with Mother Nature. IG and FB: sophiegregoiretrudeau

What happens when women stop treating money as taboo — and start using it as power? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Marcia Dawood, author of Do Good While Doing Well, TEDx speaker, host of The Angel Next Door Podcast to talk about the real story behind women, wealth, and financial confidence — and why we’re standing at a turning point. Together, we unpack: How generations of conditioning shaped women’s relationship with money Why financial independence is about more than numbers — it’s about choice How angel investing is opening doors for women to support women The mindset shift required to move from “money avoidance” to “money ownership” Marcia shares her personal journey into angel investing, breaks down the myths that keep women on the sidelines, and explains how investing — even at a small level — can create meaningful social impact and financial return. This conversation is empowering, practical, and deeply validating for any woman who’s ever thought: “I’m not good with money.” (Plot twist: you are.) You’ll walk away knowing: Women are far more capable with money than we’ve been led to believe Access to investing has changed — and it’s more available than ever Community and collective action are key to closing the wealth gap You don’t need to be rich to invest — you need to be informed Doing good and doing well can absolutely coexist If you’re ready to rewrite your money story — and step into financial confidence with curiosity instead of fear — this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Press play and join the financial rebellion   --------- Marcia Dawood is the author of Do Good While Doing Well, TEDx speaker, host of The Angel Next Door Podcast, and an early-stage investor who serves as the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital and the chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a global professional society for angel investors. She is also an associate producer on the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money.   Connect with Marcia https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciadawood/ www.marciadawood.com

I think at some point all of us have fantasized about what it would be like to leave everything and start over with a clean slate. I know I have.  But not many of us actually do it.  Let me introduce you to Jacqueline Das who at the age of 54 realized that her life no longer felt like hers. There was so much more that she wanted to do and experience so she made a bold midlife pivot  to leave everything and move across continents to Budapest to start over.      After moving, she took a full year “off” — no job, no safety net, just space to breathe, explore and re-center. She calls her gap year  the most transformative time of her life — giving her confidence, resilience and a renewed sense of identity.   In this episode we dig into what it means to step out of your comfort zone mid-life, learning  to trust yourself, and how to embrace the unknown as fertile ground for transformation.  We also talk about the gifts of getting out of you comfort zone and what she has gained from this experience: A broader worldview — immersing herself in a new culture, making friends, building community among people she initially didn’t know and didn’t speak the language. Adaptability and what she calls “FIO” — “Figure It Out” — skills that forced her to get resourceful and rise to unknown challenges.  A deep re-connection with self-belief, confidence, and freedom. As she says: “the more we get out of our comfort zones, the more confident and liberated we feel.” If you’ve ever asked, “Is this all there is?” or “What if I started over?” — this conversation may just give you the courage to try.

The word WISDOM is used so often when we talk about this midlife chapter. Bit what is wisdom? Do we all have it? Can we learn it? And how does it impact our lives?  In this episode, I sit down with Common Wisdom author and ER physician-turned-researcher Dr. Laura Gabayan for a soulful deep dive into what wisdom really is — and why it might just be our greatest superpower in midlife. We unpack the eight elements of wisdom (think resilience, kindness, curiosity, spirituality, and more), how life experiences shape us, and why self-awareness is the doorway to a wiser, more grounded life. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that every challenge carries a lesson, every emotion has information, and every one of us can grow wiser with time. You’ll hear about: Why wisdom is your greatest life asset The 8 elements that make up wisdom How to reframe hard experiences as growth Why kindness is strength, not softness The role of emotions in decision-making How to tap your inner knowing for the answers you seek ---------- Dr. Laura Gabayan is a world-renowned physician, scientist, researcher, Psychology Today Contributor, and Award-Winning Author of 2 books: “Common Wisdom: 8 Scientific Elements of a Meaningful Life” (March 2024) and “Common Wisdom Journal” (December 2024). To help others, the author created The Wisdom Research Project in 2013 to study wisdom after many medical obstacles forced her to change course. Using applied science and objectivity, Dr. Laura Gabayan developed a clear path to gaining wisdom that can help you live your best life, which is summarized in her books.   Dr. Gabayon has received multiple research grants and awards for her work. Dr. Gabayan has also published dozens of academic manuscripts cited by hundreds of researchers.    Dr. Gabayan and her work have been featured on FOX News At Night, FOX 11 Los Angeles, KTLA, ABC 8 Dallas / Good Morning Texas, KFMG 98.9FM The Culture Buzz, Jewish Journal, The Eden Magazine, Authority Magazine, BookLife Reviews, Great Books Great Minds, ShoutOut LA, Palisadian-Post, Leader Magazine and many top podcasts and radio shows. https://lauragabayan.com     Author Website-  https://lauragabayan.com Wisdom IQ Test (free) -  https://lauragabayan.com/wisdom-iq-test/ SOCIAL MEDIA Linked IN-  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragabayan/ Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/l.gabayan/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/DrLauraGabayan

Pretty much every woman I know struggles with her own version of enoughness -  pretty enough, smart enough, good enough, nice enough, thin enough. Myself included.  It’s not a coincidence  that so many women feel this way - new live in a whorl that profits from it.  We’ve been conditioned that way for centuries. Were influenced by it every day in no many ways. In this episode I sit down with Barbara Burgess, author o of the book Enough. We go deep on what it really means to feel enough—and why so many of us spend half our lives chasing it. We unpack the sneaky ways society teaches women to prove themselves and the comparison trap that steals our joy. And also how we find peace in ourselves exactly as we are   Barbara opens up about her own enoughness journey  and the fears and doubts that Alamos kept her form writing this book. She shares how setting boundaries helped her finally live unapologetically and feel confident in her choices.  This chat is equal parts soul-food and truth-bombs—a reminder that life’s way too short to keep waiting for permission to be who we are and want what we want. So grab your coffee and settle in for an honest, heart-warming talk about finding peace with who you already are.   📝 Show Notes What “enoughness” really means—and how to start feeling it now How comparison quietly erodes confidence (and what to do when it hits) The surprising power of saying no and why it’s not selfish Barbara’s behind-the-scenes story of writing her book and finding her voice Reclaiming your right to joy, rest, and play The freedom that comes from living unapologetically Simple ways to begin honoring your own journey, one choice at a time __________ Barbara Burgess is an author, mother, executive, and unapologetic dark-chocolate addict who’s learned (the hard way) how to make peace with the messy, beautiful journey of life. She founded Corluma (cor = heart, luma = light), a Chicago-based consulting, training, and executive coaching firm, to help people and businesses navigate life in ways that feel honest, values-driven, and refreshingly real. Her book, Enough: Finding Peace in a World of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations, isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about learning to listen to the voice of ENOUGH and take small steps toward more joy, more connection, and more room to breathe. Barbara didn’t get here by following a straight path (does anyone?).    Website: www.corluma.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barbaraburgess1 Book: www.beenough.com Listeners who sign up for Barbara's weekly inspiration at beenough.com will be entered to win a copy of her book, Enough.

This week I've got a solo episode for you. I was feeling FIRED UP when I hit record on his one, and honestly? I’m not sorry about it.   I’m so tired of the narrative that menopause is something to dread, avoid, or quietly endure. It’s time we flip the script entirely.   In this episode, I dive headfirst into why society has got it completely wrong about menopause. I’m calling out the toxic messaging that tells us aging women lose their value, and I’m here to tell you why that’s complete BS.   This isn’t just a biological process – it’s a rite of passage. It’s your entrance into the most powerful phase of your life, and I’m here to explain why you should actually be celebrating it.   We’ve been fed lies about what it means to be a woman moving through menopause.  Society’s backwards cultural narratives are literally stealing our power.   This episode is for every woman who’s been made to feel like her best days are behind her. For everyone who’s been told to quietly manage their symptoms and fade into the background. For anyone who needs permission to see menopause as the gift it actually is. If you’re approaching this transition, in the thick of it, or already on the other side – this one’s for you.   And if you’re not there yet? Listen anyway. Consider it your prep for the most empowering phase of your life.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished you could just divorce your body—this episode is for you. In this soulful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with the incredible Nina Manolson, a body peace coach and therapist who helps women move from body shame to deep, nourishing self-connection. We talk about the messy middle of midlife—the changes, the cultural conditioning, and the quiet wisdom our bodies have been trying to share with us all along. Nina and I explore what it really means to have body peace (hint: it’s not about loving your thighs 24/7). It’s about building trust, compassion, and a genuine relationship with the body you’re living in right now. You’ll hear: Why midlife is such a powerful time to rewrite our body story How emotional eating is actually a signal, not a failure The difference between body positivity and body peace Simple practices to reconnect with your body from a place of curiosity, not criticism Why your body is your greatest guide (yes, even now) This episode is your permission slip to stop the war with your body and start tuning in to the wisdom it’s been holding all along. Because when we feel at home in our skin, we show up differently in the world—and that’s where the magic begins. 💫 🎧 Hit play and come join this powerful conversation. Your body will thank you. --------- Nina Manolson is a Body-Peace® coach. She helps women end the war with food and body and finally feel truly at home in their body—as it is. She is known for her deeply feminist, anti-diet, body-peace approach. She brings her 30 years of experience as a therapist, Body-Trust® Guide and Psychology of Eating Teacher to helping women create a respectful and trusting relationship with their food and body. Nina’s Body-Peace work is all in service of helping people get off the diet roller-coaster, and into a compassionate and powerful way of eating & living which creates a positive long-lasting change in and with their bodies. Her courses, coaching, poems and Body-Peace APP positively change the conversation that women are having with their body.    Learn more about Nina: https://ninamanolson.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/NinaManolsonBodyPeace INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/ninamanolson/ The Body-Peace® APP: https://thebodypeaceapp.com FREE Practicing Body-Peace® Journal: https://ninamanolson.com/practicingbodypeace/ Free Body-Peace Masterclass https://ninamanolson.com/free-body-peace-masterclass/

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Amy Kemp, author of the book "I See You - The Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More – Without More Work. We have  a real, soul-stirring convo about what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife. We talk about the burnout that can come from chasing success the old way—and why so many of us are craving something different now. We get into the power of community, learning to trust your inner voice, and redefining ambition on your terms. Amy and I share stories about letting go of hustle culture, embracing intuition, and giving ourselves permission to slow the heck down and tune in. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to want more—or felt like you’re the only one craving something deeper—this one’s for you. We talk about: Why hard work doesn’t always lead to happiness The quiet power of slowing down Reclaiming success in a way that actually feels good How to validate yourself (instead of chasing external approval) What happens when women support each other without judgment The role of compassion and intuition in making big life shifts You can have everything you want—but it starts with listening in, not pushing harder. _________ Amy Kemp is the owner and CEO of Amy Kemp, Inc. In her work  she helps leaders and business professionals understand how deeply “thought habits” impact every part of their work and lives. As a certified Habit Finder coach, Amy has led over 400 female business leaders through a four-month small group engagement called Encounter - An experience designed to help clients replace subconscious thought habits that are no longer serving them with more healthy ones.    In addition, Amy teaches two engaging online courses each year in the fall and spring that are designed to challenge and expand her clients’ understanding of themselves and to welcome new, curious people into the scope of her work.   Amy s also the author of, I See You: A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More – Without More Work.     She has been married to Ryan for over twenty years and they have three children – Avery, Anthony and Andrew.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykempinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amykempinc LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amykempinc Link to Purchase I See You: https://www.amazon.com/See-You-Guide-Women-More-Without/dp/1774584425/ref=sr_1_1

What if menopause wasn’t something to hide or suffer through—but a powerful turning point for change? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Fiona Lake Waslander, founder and CEO of Coral, a digital health platform revolutionizing care for menopausal women. Fiona shares her personal story, the career curveballs menopause can throw, and why silence in the workplace is no longer an option.   This conversation goes beyond hot flashes and hormone debates—diving into the economic and societal impact of women’s health, why employer support matters more than ever, and how community and conversation can change everything.   Whether you’re navigating menopause while trying to hold things together at work or want to better understand the women around you—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear: The real cost of ignoring menopause in the workplace How Coral is changing the game in women’s health Why open conversations and support are everything The message every woman needs to hear: When women thrive, the world thrives.       Fiona is the CEO and Co-founder of Coral, a women’s digital health platform on a mission to improve the lives of Canadian women by setting a new standard for menopause care. Coral focuses on evidence-based treatments, holistic solutions and a team-based approach tailored to each individual’s needs. By providing accessible, personalized and ongoing medical care and follow-ups, Coral empowers women to thrive during perimenopause, menopause and beyond. For more information, visit https://www.coral.ca/.    Fiona is a three-time founder and has been building consumer-focused businesses in the tech industry for over 20 years. Now squarely in peri-menopause while raising three active boys, she has made it her mission to drive a step function change in state of women's health in Canada.   Please provide links to any social media platforms, websites or free gifts that you would like to share with our podcast audience: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionalakewaslander/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coralhealth/ https://www.instagram.com/coraltothrive https://www.facebook.com/coraltothrive   For podcast listeners, use promo code 50OFFOLDCHICKS2025 for $50 off at  Coral (https://www.coral.ca/).

Ever thought to yourself or said  out loud  “ I wish I was creative.” I know I have.  I used to tell myself all the  time that I wasn’t the creative type.     As it turns out we are all creative in our own way and  the definition of creativity goes beyond the tractional art forms. Tapping in to our flavour of creativity is actually key to our growth and transformation in this next chapter of life.     My guest in this episode is Paige Williams, author of The Creative Keys, a transformational framework for unlocking purpose through storytelling, creativity, and spiritual wisdom. We explore the transformative power of creativity and its role in  personal growth, self connection and reinventions. We chat about how creativity opens the doors to finding purpose, self trust, and surrender and that understanding ourselves as creative beings is key to how we lead in all areas of life from our careers to how we parent.   Paige and I both  share our own journeys of how embracing ourselves as creative beings has impacted our lives.   If you’ve never thought of yourself as creative or you’re ready to explore how tapping into your creativity can change your life this is the episode for you.      Paige Williams — award-winning filmmaker, AI media tech entrepreneur, and author of The Creative Keys, a transformational framework for unlocking purpose through storytelling, creativity, and spiritual wisdom. She’s the founder of AudPop, a global video platform connecting diverse creators to brands and audiences. Her work has been featured at Slamdance, Hot Docs, and VidCon, and she’s led impact-driven storytelling that has raised millions, influenced national policy, and been featured in Forbes Next1000, Inc., and The New York Times. Through The Creative Keys, Paige helps people tap into their inner knowing and turn their truth into aligned action.   You can find out more about Paige and her work with the Creative Keys here:    https://www.paigewilliams.co/ https://www.instagram.com/paigewilliamscreates https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewilliamscreates/

Imagine being sentenced to life in prison for a crime you didn’t commit.
That was Judy Henderson’s reality. In this gripping episode of The Old Chicks Know Sht Podcast*, Judy shares her extraordinary journey from a life shattered by domestic violence and injustice… to becoming a fierce advocate, certified trainer, and founder of Women Against Violence. Talk about midlife reinvention. We talk about: The shocking moment her life changed forever
 Surviving 36 years of incarceration with grace and grit
 How fitness, therapy, and spiritual awakening became her lifelines
 What reintegration after prison really looks like
 Why she believes it’s never too late to discover who you are
 Judy’s story is a masterclass in resilience, transformation, and the power of never giving up on yourself. 
Grab your earbuds—this one will stay with you long after it ends.