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In this inspiring episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with Mikael Avatar Stjernvall, a Swedish Paralympic world-record holder, coach, artist, and self-described “inner freedom architect” now living in Thailand. Born with cerebral palsy and facing significant physical challenges from childhood, Mikael refused to let other people’s expectations define what was possible for him. From teaching himself to ride a bicycle after doctors said he couldn’t, to training thousands of hours and eventually competing at the Paralympics, his life has been shaped by persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to follow his own path. After decades of chronic pain, a trip to Thailand brought unexpected physical relief, eventually prompting him to leave Sweden and build an entirely new life there. But Mikael discovered that achievement—even breaking a world record—didn’t automatically bring fulfillment. That realization led to years of reflection and ultimately to what he calls the Mikael Avatar Method, centered on small, intentional shifts that help people become more present, aware, and authentic. He and Leslie explore the importance of stepping out of our “automatic life,” questioning familiar patterns, practicing what we want to become rather than waiting for someday, and giving the people in front of us our full attention. For those over 50 especially, Mikael’s message is simple but powerful: don’t wait until retirement to write the book, paint the picture, or begin living differently. Meaning can be found in presence, practice, connection—and making sure there is still something in your day that makes you smile. Mikael's info: https://mikaelavatar.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with Vera Nicholas about an unexpected way to combine travel, learning, adventure, and connection later in life: becoming a Lifelong Learner with Semester at Sea. Vera shares how, in her mid-60s, she embarked on a 105-day voyage that took her from Amsterdam to destinations including Portugal, Morocco, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Jordan, Kenya, India, and Dubai. What began as her own retirement adventure became so transformative that it ultimately brought her out of retirement and into a role with Semester at Sea. Vera explains how adults—from their 30s into their 90s—can join college students and world-class faculty aboard the ship, take classes, experience different cultures in meaningful ways, and choose either a full semester or, on certain voyages, a shorter “Spotlight Voyage.” But this conversation is about much more than seeing the world. Vera describes the surprising and powerful intergenerational relationships that develop aboard the ship, with younger students actively seeking out Lifelong Learners for their experience, perspective, and informal mentoring. Through classes, meals, cultural experiences, and even an optional “extended family” program where adults can become ship moms or dads, generations learn from one another in ways neither may have expected. Leslie and Vera also discuss practical details—from cabins and costs to seasickness, safety, families traveling with children, and life aboard the ship. Ultimately, Vera’s story is a wonderful reminder that adventure, learning, connection, and even an entirely new chapter of work don’t have an expiration date—and sometimes the experience you think is your retirement adventure turns out to be the beginning of something else entirely. Vera's Info: semesteratsea.org Manager of Lifelong Learning & Partner Relations Institute for Shipboard Education | Semester at Sea® Academic Partner: Colorado State University **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with emotional sobriety coach Colleen Freeland for a refreshingly different conversation about women and alcohol. Colleen shares her own journey from being a high-achieving mother, professional, marathon runner, and yoga teacher to becoming a daily drinker whose alcohol use escalated dramatically during COVID. After three years of sobriety, she began to see that, for her, alcohol wasn’t the core problem—it had become a way of coping with perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, constant productivity, and a deeply ingrained habit of putting herself last. Together, Leslie and Colleen explore the often-overlooked space between “normal drinker” and “alcoholic,” and why the traditional all-or-nothing approach to drinking may not resonate with every woman who wants to change her relationship with alcohol. The conversation ultimately goes much deeper than drinking. Colleen explains how many high-functioning women can be dysregulated without recognizing it because their dysregulation looks like productivity, control, and getting everything done. Alcohol can become the thing that finally gives them permission to stop—but lasting change comes from learning how to slow down, tolerate discomfort, set boundaries, listen to the body, and prioritize how they want to feel, not simply what they want to accomplish. Leslie and Colleen also discuss “mommy wine culture,” social pressure, marketing, and the messages women absorb about alcohol and belonging. Colleen’s central message is powerful: changing drinking habits isn’t simply about willpower or removing alcohol—it’s about changing your relationship with yourself and learning to create the peace, confidence, and emotional regulation you were looking for in the first place. Colleen's Info:  https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with 79-year-old author, entrepreneur, speaker, and lifelong reinvention expert Jay Sargeant, founder of The SHIFT Project and author of SHIFT: The Gift of Reinvention. Jay looks back on a life that has taken him from community organizer to tennis professional, franchise developer, business consultant, NLP trainer, and beyond—often stepping into new roles without the traditional credentials people assume they need. Through colorful and often funny stories, he shares three patterns he discovered while writing his book: credentials are overrated, there are no small moments, and it is never too late to change. His message isn't that expertise doesn't matter, but that knowing your strengths, being willing to learn, and having the courage to begin can matter more than waiting until you feel completely qualified or prepared. The conversation goes deeper into what allows someone to keep reinventing rather than becoming stuck in a life that no longer feels right. Jay talks about trusting his instincts, recognizing opportunities, accepting failure, and being willing to become a beginner again—something Leslie notes can be especially difficult for accomplished people later in life. His stories include losing a successful business at 41 and unexpectedly discovering the work that would become his next chapter, as well as the beautiful story of his grandmother finding love again at 91, a reminder that new beginnings don't come with an expiration date. At 79, Jay's philosophy is wonderfully simple: stay open, pay attention to the moments that appear in front of you, and don't leave too much of yourself unused. As he puts it, he wants to reach the end of his life like a tube of toothpaste that's been completely squeezed out—nothing left in the container. Jay's Info: https://www.theshiftproject.academy/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this deeply thoughtful episode, Leslie sits down with Steven Ferrara, author of Grief to Gratitude: Embracing the Inner Pathway to Healing and Peace, to explore what it means to move through profound loss without allowing grief to define the rest of your life. Steven shares his own devastating experiences—the sudden death of his 23-year-old son, Christopher, in a car accident, followed several years later by the death of his wife, Allie, just seven weeks after her diagnosis. Despite decades of spiritual study and meditation, Steven found himself angry, questioning everything he believed, and struggling to make sense of what had happened. Journaling became one of his most powerful tools, giving him a private place to express the raw emotions of grief. Years later, rereading nearly 30 journals allowed him to recognize the turning points that had slowly carried him toward healing. The conversation moves beyond grief into gratitude, acceptance, spirituality, and a different way of looking at life and death. Steven explains how shifting his perspective—from focusing only on what he had lost to feeling gratitude for the years he had with the people he loved—changed his relationship with grief. He and Leslie discuss why grief doesn't follow a neat set of stages, how acceptance can become the beginning of deeper healing, and the possibility of maintaining an ongoing connection with those we have lost. Their conversation expands into ideas about consciousness, our resistance to the way life unfolds, and the possibility that our human experience is part of something much larger. Ultimately, Steven's message isn't about forgetting loss or eliminating sadness; it's about discovering that grief and gratitude can exist together—and that gratitude can help us find our way back to living fully. Steve's Info: https://www.stevenferrara.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with author, health and wellness coach, and former CPA Jeanne Phares about why strength training may be one of the most important things women can do as they age. Jeanne explains that the goal isn’t simply weight loss or changing how we look—it’s maintaining muscle, balance, posture, mobility, independence, and quality of life. She shares practical advice for making strength training manageable, including starting with just two 30-minute sessions a week, allowing adequate recovery time, using lighter weights and slower movements, and prioritizing protein. Jeanne also challenges the idea that becoming weaker or gaining weight around the middle is simply an inevitable part of aging. Her own experience surviving leukemia at 55 reinforced her belief that entering a health crisis physically strong and without other major health problems can matter tremendously. The conversation also moves beyond exercise into what it means to age well and take ownership of this stage of life. Jeanne shares how her cancer experience, writing, coaching, and creation of the Sage Lifestyle Collective have shaped her mission to give women practical, research-based tools for midlife and beyond. She and Leslie talk about the overwhelming amount of health information women encounter, the importance of putting yourself higher on your own priority list, and the freedom that often comes with getting older and caring less about what other people think. For Jeanne, meaning comes from gratitude for surviving cancer and using that second chance to help others; her moxie comes from encouraging women to be strong, stay active, laugh, maintain friendships, and fully show up as themselves. Jeanne's Info: https://sage-lifestyle-press.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQJKKLQ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with relationship therapist and Marriage Therapy Radio host Zach Brittle about what it really takes to build and maintain healthy relationships over time. Zach shares candidly about his nearly 30-year marriage, his decision to stop drinking in 2020, and the realization that sobriety alone didn’t automatically repair the damage in his relationships. His deeper work became what he calls “relational recovery”—recognizing his anger, resentment, and habitual reactions and learning to take responsibility for how he shows up with his wife, children, and others. Together, Leslie and Zach explore the stories we tell ourselves, the different “parts” of ourselves that can take over in difficult moments, and the importance of realizing that our perspective is only one piece of the truth. The conversation also turns to what makes relationships last, especially as we get older. Zach encourages couples to stop approaching conflict like litigators trying to prove who is right and instead become collaborators building something together. He shares one of his favorite lessons from working with long-term couples: strong couples often have a shared “thing”—a friendship, activity, value, adventure, or interest that gives them a sense of identity together. Leslie shares how she and her husband have found that through activities like dance lessons while also maintaining interests of their own. Ultimately, the episode is about emotional maturity, self-awareness, friendship, and accepting that we’re never really finished learning how to love, communicate, and show up for the people who matter most. Zach's Info: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marriage-therapy-radio/id1295458667 https://www.huffpost.com/author/zach-197 https://www.vanityfair.com/video/watch/reviews-therapists-review-disney-relationships-from-frozen-to-the-little-mermaid **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with Rachel Langenohl, an end-of-life doula and founder of Sacred Time, for a heartfelt conversation about bringing greater peace, dignity, and even joy to the end of life. Rachel explains how an end-of-life doula complements hospice care by focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and relational needs that often arise when someone is dying. Drawing on her years as a hospice volunteer and her personal experiences with loved ones, Rachel shares how simply listening, facilitating difficult family conversations, offering companionship, and understanding what matters to an individual can make an enormous difference during this deeply personal time. Rachel also shares several moving stories from her work, including sitting vigil with people who might otherwise have died alone, praying the rosary with a frightened man whose anxiety eased before he passed, and witnessing people near death seemingly communicate with loved ones who had already died. Leslie and Rachel explore why our culture tends to avoid conversations about death and how becoming more comfortable with mortality can actually deepen our appreciation for life, connection, and the present moment. Rachel also discusses her “Eat, Drink, and Be Mortal” dinners, where people gather over dishes that remind them of someone they've lost, using stories, laughter, and sometimes tears to make conversations about death less frightening and more human. Rachel's info: https://www.sacredtime.net/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this solo episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney shares her top five reasons why travel becomes even more valuable as we age. She explains that travel isn't about luxury vacations or checking destinations off a bucket list—it's about stepping outside our routines and into new experiences that wake us up to the world around us. Whether it's a weekend road trip, visiting family, or exploring another country, travel helps us become more present, sparks curiosity, broadens our perspective, and reminds us that there is more than one way to live a meaningful life. Leslie also explores how travel builds confidence, supports our physical and mental well-being, and encourages lifelong growth. Drawing on her own experiences, she reflects on how navigating unfamiliar places, meeting people from different cultures, and embracing the unexpected can help us stay flexible, resilient, and engaged with life. Her message is simple but powerful: after 50, travel isn't just about seeing new places—it's about continuing to grow, finding joy in the journey, and creating stories that enrich the rest of our lives. Leslie's Info: http://www.meaningandmoxieafter50.com **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode, Leslie talks with Jennifer Robin Wilson—author of The Heart of Homestay, entrepreneur, leadership coach, and former CEO of the Canada Homestay Network—about the life-changing experience of hosting international students. Jennifer explains how homestay programs connect students from around the world with local families, creating meaningful cultural exchanges that benefit everyone involved. She shares why adults over 50, especially empty nesters and retirees, often make exceptional hosts, finding renewed purpose, companionship, and the opportunity to "travel without leaving home." The conversation also covers the practical side of hosting, including how students are matched with families, the support organizations provide, the varying lengths of stays, compensation in different programs, and how interested listeners can explore hosting opportunities in their own communities. The discussion then shifts to Jennifer's own story of reinvention. After an unexpected divorce ended her career as a midwife, she joined her family's homestay business, earned an MBA, and eventually grew the organization from a small regional operation into a nationwide network that has placed more than 100,000 students from over 130 countries. Now serving as chair of the board, Jennifer has stepped away from daily operations to focus on writing, coaching, and helping leaders and entrepreneurs navigate change. Her journey is a powerful reminder that life's unexpected detours can become meaningful new beginnings, and that embracing new opportunities—whether through hosting, entrepreneurship, or a career pivot—can lead to deeper connection, purpose, and personal growth. Jennifer's Info: https://oakbaycoachingandconsulting.ca/ https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Homestay-Meaningful-Connections-International/dp/1774584980/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LX27HTEE0PF9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8iZMvYuyCdFksU-_RVHV8g.zbmpeiGDzPmT0v1iNw9eVA2QQ6LDKQ2Rd0nUJNQK-lo&dib_tag=se&keywords=9781774584989&qid=1721832257&sprefix=9781774584989%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this fascinating episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with 93-year-old author, conservationist and mathematician Margaret Broussard for a conversation that spans nearly a century of history, adventure, and purpose. Margaret shares what it was like growing up in "Old Florida" before air conditioning, widespread development, and the state's explosive population growth. She reflects on her family's commitment to preserving more than 3,000 acres of authentic Florida wilderness through conservation, ensuring that future generations can experience the natural beauty she has cherished throughout her life. Along the way, she also discusses the importance of recording family stories, writing her memoirs, and preserving history before it's lost. Beyond her work in conservation, Margaret's career was decades ahead of its time. After earning a master's degree in mathematics, she taught college-level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics before becoming one of the earliest professionals in the emerging computer industry, programming massive mainframe computers long before personal computers existed. Leslie and Margaret also discuss the challenges women faced in STEM careers, the value of lifelong learning, and Margaret's remarkable spirit of adventure—including skydiving at age 90. Filled with wisdom, humor, and perspective, this episode is a powerful reminder that purpose, curiosity, and meaningful contribution don't have an expiration date. **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode, Leslie sits down with author, entrepreneur, and one of the world's most highly certified Ashtanga yoga instructors, Harmony Slater, for a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to live with intention. While they begin by exploring Harmony's impressive background in the Ashtanga yoga tradition, the discussion quickly expands into the deeper lessons yoga offers beyond the mat—learning to quiet the mind, regulate the nervous system, let go of perfectionism, and develop greater self-awareness. Harmony shares how these practices can help women navigate life's transitions, avoid burnout, and reconnect with themselves instead of constantly striving or seeking external validation. The conversation also explores the realities of building a meaningful life and business after major life changes. Harmony candidly discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of trusting yourself, and why success isn't simply about working harder but about aligning your actions with your values and purpose. Together, Leslie and Harmony encourage listeners to embrace curiosity, create space for reflection and recognize that lasting fulfillment comes from cultivating inner resilience rather than chasing achievement. The episode leaves listeners with practical inspiration for slowing down, finding clarity, and creating a life that feels both purposeful and deeply grounded. Harmony's info: https://harmonyslater.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with life coach and author Lisa Taylor to discuss her new book, It All Begins With You, and the deeply personal experiences that inspired it. Lisa shares how a series of life-altering events—including an unexpected move, becoming the primary caregiver for her six-year-old niece after a family crisis, and the eventual end of her marriage—forced her to confront years of unresolved childhood trauma. Rather than simply surviving these challenges, she chose to embark on an intentional healing journey, using practices such as journaling, meditation, breathwork, and kundalini yoga to better understand herself. Together, Leslie and Lisa explore how our most difficult seasons often become our greatest teachers, revealing patterns we've carried for years and opening the door to lasting transformation. The conversation also focuses on practical tools for emotional healing and nervous system regulation, emphasizing that personal growth is an ongoing process rather than a destination. Lisa explains how healing her own emotional wounds ultimately led her to transition from running a successful marketing agency into coaching others through similar life transitions. Leslie highlights the importance of continually adding "new tools to the toolbox" as we grow and change, especially after 50, when many women are reevaluating who they are and what they want next. Filled with hope, wisdom, and actionable insights, this episode encourages listeners to stop looking outside themselves for answers and begin the rewarding work of healing from within so they can create a more authentic and fulfilling life. Lisa's Info:  https://www.instagram.com/thelisataylor/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode, Leslie sits down with somatic healing practitioner Lori Montry to explore why so many people feel stuck despite years of self-help, positive thinking, or traditional talk therapy. Lori explains that lasting change requires more than changing our thoughts—it requires working with the body and nervous system, which often hold onto past experiences and keep us in survival mode. Together, they discuss how chronic busyness, overstimulation, and the pressure to constantly achieve disconnect us from ourselves, making it difficult to access creativity, intuition, and authentic joy.  Leslie and Lori also share practical, science-backed strategies to regulate the nervous system and create more calm in everyday life. From building "see where the wind takes me" days and practicing intentional rest to limiting technology, improving sleep habits, embracing nature, and using simple somatic exercises like the "voo" breath and the "push away" technique, they offer listeners accessible tools to move out of stress and into resilience. Lori's message from her book, You're Not the Problem, is both hopeful and empowering: if you're struggling with follow-through, self-care, or breaking old patterns, it's not a lack of willpower—it's often a nervous system asking for safety. This inspiring conversation reminds listeners that by caring for our bodies as well as our minds, we can create lasting change, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.  Lori's Information:  Website: www.LoriMontry.com  Youtube: Lori Montry -Somatic Healing Practitioner - YouTube Facebook:  www.facebook.com/LoriMontry  Instagram: Instagram  Email List (1.5k): https://www.lorimontry.com/book-intro **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with professional organizer, author, and entrepreneur Lisa Woodruff about how getting organized is about much more than having a tidy closet—it’s about reducing stress, gaining control, and creating a life that feels more manageable. Lisa shares her own journey of approaching age 40 feeling overwhelmed, reactive, and stuck, before deciding to take a proactive approach to her future by launching Organize365. Drawing from her background as a teacher and professional organizer, she explains how organization systems can help people navigate the increasing complexity of modern life, particularly for women who often find themselves managing not only their own households but also helping aging parents, adult children, and other family members. A major focus of the conversation is Lisa’s signature “Sunday Basket” system, which helps people manage the constant flow of papers, to-do lists, bills, appointments, and household responsibilities that often create mental clutter. She explains that organization is not about perfection—it’s about creating repeatable systems that reduce decision fatigue and help people stay in control of their lives. One particularly powerful story involves a woman and her mother, who was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. By using the same organizational system together, the mother was able to maintain her household responsibilities longer, while the daughter gained valuable insight into managing her mother’s affairs as her condition progressed. The episode offers practical wisdom, hope, and encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities and looking for simple ways to create more order, freedom, and peace of mind. Lisa's Info: https://organize365.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.