50, Now What?!

In today’s episode, we welcome Ingrid Green to educate us on Sickle Cell Anemia and spread the word about the work she does on the disease with the American Red Cross. Ingrid walks us through exactly what Sickle Cell Anemia is, how it affects those that have it, how it’s currently treated, and what work is currently being done to improve those treatments. We also discuss the current stigmas surrounding giving blood in the African American community, and why making the decision to give blood could be the difference in life or death for someone experiencing a Sickle Cell pain crisis. Find more resources on Sickle Cell Disease, and a place to donate blood via the American Red Cross here! 1:00 - Ingrid Welcome and her introduction to her work with the American Red Cross 5:05 - What is Sickle Cell Anemia? 8:15 - Stigmas surrounding giving blood in the African American Community 10:20 - Origins of Sickle Cell Trait and Disease 13:30 - How widespread is Sickle Cell Disease? How is their quality of life? 19:00 - Who can you receive blood from if you have Sickle Cell Disease? 22:30 - Sickle Cell Trait vs Disease 27:00 - A National Call for Blood Donations 29:30 - Ingrid’s words of wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of 50, Now What!? We welcome Alicia's friend Jessica Bodiford back onto the podcast. As well as being a producer and playwright - she is also a fellow podcaster, and joins us today to discuss her new project, The Bible Rewind Podcast. Each episode of the Bible Rewind covers and challenges different topics found in the Bible, as discussed by experts and historians to serve as a starting point for further exploration. In this episode, Alicia and Jessica discuss both of their personal histories with religion and the bible before focusing on one of the subjects covered in The Bible Rewind Podcast: Sexual Assault and Rape in the scripture and church culture. Jessica takes us through examples of stories in the bible that enable problematic rhetoric the church upholds to this day, and how that has personally affected both of us as we navigated growing up in such an environment. As a courtesy to my listeners, while we find these conversations very important, there will be explicit conversations of sexual assault and rape in this episode. Be sure to follow The Bible Rewind Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re honored to welcome the author of “Sonata for a Damaged Heart”, Kisha Stewart. In 2011, Kisha suffered a heart attack at an abnormally young age of 31, only two weeks after having a child. In this episode, we discuss some of her experiences that she outlines in this moving memoir, the concept of strong woman syndrome, what it means to live in the in between, and why pregnancy is the ultimate stress test for your heart and what you need to do to be ready for it. Kisha shares her experience so that she can be an advocate for someone else when it happens to them and they need someone to have their back. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and pick up “Sonata for a Damaged Heart” for yourself. 0:52 - Intro to Kisha & Sonata for a Damage Heart 6:40 - The experience of the Heart Attack and Hospital Stay 11:50 - Healing and Taking Care of Yourself, Superhero Syndrome 15:00 - Pregnancy is the Heart’s Greatest Stress Test 19:00 - Becoming an Advocate for others 22:20 - “Living Between” 30:00 - Seeking Mental Health help for Physical Ailments 34:25 - Kisha’s words of wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just because we have crossed the 50-year milestone in our lives, does not mean that we have to be done coming up with and pursuing goals. That’s why we are so excited to welcome Jean-Marie Jobs onto the program to discuss what goal setting, and the subsequent pursuit of those goals, can look like as we continue into our 50s and beyond. In this illuminating conversation, we discuss the power of intention, how to find clarity of purpose and being, and strategies being present in the present while avoiding tripping on a theoretical future. We also discuss why it’s okay to still be learning and growing at our age and the beauty of slowing down and embracing the journey. Jean-Marie also relates her expertise to her recent battle with breast cancer, where she explains why facing your own mortality can be a greater gift than you may ever realize. There is so much valuable expertise and advice here, and we can’t wait for you to soak it in. To learn more about Jean-Marie, find her on LinkedIn, Youtube and Instagram. 1:15 Jean-Marie Introduction 2:40 Goal Setting vs Intention 5:50 Jean-Marie’s Surprise Breast Cancer Diagnosis and that Perspective Shift 8:28 Being Present in the Present 15:20 Embracing overwhelm and not getting discouraged 19:45 The Aging process and its effects on goal setting 21:40 Jean-Marie’s words of wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of 50, Now What!? Alicia sits down with Kyomi O’Connor, Author of “A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant’s Search for Home and Self.” In today’s episode, Kyomi graciously shares the emotional challenges from her childhood and family in Japan, and her subsequent journey to the United States to find a way to start over for herself. While working as a researcher living out of a tiny apartment in Bethesda, Maryland, she met her future husband Patrick - a British cancer researcher who was instrumental in holding space for her to begin to heal her generational trauma and what it means to feel loved. Their journey together led to San Diego, California where the two adopted the practice of Buddhism and a commitment to helping others. Unfortunately Patrick had his own journey with brain cancer, and passed away after a three year battle in 2016. Kyomi was able to break through her grief through writing, which led to the incredible “A Sky of Infinite Blue”, which began to bring meaning back into her life. Kyomi’s story is authentic, raw, and shared in hopes to show that there is always a way to make it to the other side of grief and hard times if you keep digging. Be sure to pick up A Sky of Infinite Blue wherever books are sold! 1:27 Kyomi Introduction & Growing up in Japan 4:40 The Physical Effects of Emotional Abuse 7:00 Building up Armor at a young age 13:00 Kyomi's failed attempt at taking her own life 23:00 Life after her attempt, and Kyomi's first Marriage 26:00 Divorce and Moving On from Japan to the USA 33:00 Moving to Maryland and Meeting Patrick 37:00 Beginning the Healing Process 44:00 Dealing with the passing of her Father 50:20 Patrick's Cancer Diagnosis and Passing 54:00 Being at Patrick's side as he passed 1:00:00 Making it to the Light 1:01:30 Final words of wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Going through a journey with grief after losing a loved one is a life-altering experience, but not one that has to be walked alone. Today’s guest, Dr. Karen Wyatt, host of “The End of Life Podcast” joins us today to help us shed some light into an area of life that can be difficult to explore In this episode, we discuss all of the methods that helped Dr. Wyatt process her own grief, and how they can be applied to our own lives. We also expand upon what it means to become a caretaker for those who have always been there for us, our parents. Experience in this area may be painful, but it is something we cannot avoid forever - and we’re here to help it hurt just a little bit less. 1:00 - Dr. Wyatt Introduction 3:00 - Becoming primary caretakers to your parents or elder loved ones 5:30 - Making the decision to utilize an assisted care living facility 7:20 - Is caretaking a part of the grieving process? 10:10 - Tools and support that are available for Caregivers 15:00 - The 5 Stages of Grief, and Obtaining Grief Counseling 18:27 - The different ways in which people deal with Grief, and how it’s changed 23:00 - Can you put a timeframe on Grief? 28:05 - Final words of wisdom from Dr. Wyatt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Danielle Desir Corbett, host of “The Thought Card” Podcast and author of multiple books on how to manage money while planning the vacations of your dreams to the 50, Now What!? Podcast. And we’re here today to discuss just that - just because we’re in our 50’s does not mean we need to stop catching those flights! In today's conversation, we talk about just exactly what it means to be a financially savvy traveler, how to define your travel style, how to properly prepare for your travels while staying flexible for the journey, and countless other tips you need for your next trip. Be sure to follow the One Love Travel Club in Instagram @onelovetravel.club 0:50 - Danielle Introduction 3:48 - What is important to you regarding Travel? 8:56 - Finding your “Travel Style” and Budgeting for Travel 13:58 - Preparing for your Trip & Other Tips from Danielle 23:00 - Final Words of Wisdom from Danielle 25:35 - Alicia’s 2023 Travel Wrap-Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are so pleased to welcome back the first repeat guest to 50, Now What!? Terri Jones. The first conversation about financial planning for retirement was so impactful, that we just had to come back and continue! Today, Alicia and Terri dive into another important part of life that you should not wait to address - estate planning. This is a large, slow process that can be very intimidating, luckily we have Terri to break it down. They talk about some of the best places to start when estate planning, the most common details that are overlooked in this process, how to properly establish your wishes when you are incapacitated, and many other incredibly important topics when planning out the path for what happens when we’re gone. This is not a conversation to be afraid of, rather to be embraced with the support of Terri, Alicia, and the other people in your life that can walk with you through this process. Contact Terri for financial assistance at: Ibleav@icloud.com 1:09 Terri Introduction 3:42 Estate Planning & Wills 8:47 Overcoming the Overwhelming Estate Planning Process 13:24 Overlooked Estate Planning Responsibilities 17:20 Establishing Your Wishes when Incapacitated 21:40 Planning for the Future Once Loved Ones Pass On 29:48 Building and Updated your Resources 33:53 Legacy Planning and Generational Wealth 37:13 Drafting your Will 39:10 Estate Planning Mistakes, Final Words of Wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are so excited to share this very special episode with you - a conversation with some of Alicia’s dear friends. Today we welcome three incredible women Jessica Bodiford, Kisha Williams, and Elizabeth Hope onto the show to discuss love, relationships, family, upcoming holiday plans, what we’re manifesting for 2024, and much more. The conversation feels like a gathering around the dinner table, filled with laughter, insights, and genuine friendship. Order Jessica's book, The Christmas Adventure: An Interactive Nativity Play for Children 4-8 and connect with her on LinkedIn Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn 0:49 Episode Introduction 7:08 Dating Life Updates 12:01 The Importance of Platonic Friendships 24:39 Current Relationship with the Holiday Season 27:08 How Holiday Traditions have Changed 40:24 Career Updates and Goals 47:00 Intentions for 2024 and Words of Wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes, people walk into our lives, and we can immediately see the light that shines from them, and how they share so willingly with other people. From my first moment of meeting today’s guest, Dionne Phillips, I knew I needed to have her on because she is literally shining light everywhere she goes. Dionne is the owner of D’lashes Lash and Wellness Spa in Beverly Hills, CA, and shares her journey from doing her own lashes in her New York kitchen, to opening her own luxury space and becoming an artist to the stars. Dionne is on an incredible healing journey after a fight with breast cancer, and she gifts us with so many gems on how to stay positive, upright, and moving forward while going through seemingly insurmountable odds. 0:59 - Dionne Introduction and Synchronicity 9:40 Building a successful lash business 15:38 Staying positive during life challenges 25:29 Navigating a Breast Cancer diagnosis 32:31 Dionne’s Words of Wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women play a vast amount of roles in their lives, but more often than not, we become caretakers for our spouses, children, or other loved ones. But what happens when we become the ones that need care, and we’re not sure where to turn? Luckily for us, today’s guest Susan Salenger, author of “Sidelined: How Women Can Navigate a Broken Healthcare System” is here to help unravel the complicated layers that come with dealing with health issues. In today’s conversation, we speak about why multiple opinions are necessary for making any kind of medical decision, the current inequalities of how men are treated in this system vs women, how women can step confidently into these conversations with their doctors, and many more tips for moving through America’s health system with knowledge and confidence. Moving through the healthcare system at any age is daunting - this conversation is a great place to help it feel less scary 1:05 - Susan Introduction 5:40 Women tend to prioritize others over themselves 10:52 Importance of getting second opinions 24:56 Take charge of your healthcare 27:01 Empower yourself in your health 31:39 Navigating a broken healthcare system Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jumping back into the dating world can be stressful at any age, but today's guest Lisa Copeland is here to tell you that there is actually a ton of freedom in dating over 50. In today’s episode we talk about why heart connection is far more important than chemistry, why triggering the “hero response” in a man is a good thing, how to create the vision for the kind of partner you want and much more. Whether you are recently single and ready to mingle, have been solo for a while and are ready to get started seeing people, or anywhere in between, Lisa gives us her strategies for looking for a man, and how you can do it vastly differently than you ever thought possible. Learn more about Lisa and download the 5 Little Known Secrets to Finding a Quality Man at www.findaqualityman.com 0:53 - Lisa Introduction to Dating Coaching 4:49 - Common misconceptions and challenges about older women wanting to date 12:00 - How to ask for help and triggering the Hero Response 17:45 - Benefits to Dating at 50 20:45 - Where do you start when you’re ready to date again? 25:30 - Learning how to Date & Using a Coach 30:55 - Episode Outro and where to find Lisa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we hit our 50’s, it can become harder and harder to find the kind of care your changing body and mind needs. So what do we do when that search for wellness feels like finding a needle in a haystack? When it comes to today’s guest, Karen Viesta, you become the expert yourself! Karen is a health and life coach for women over 40, as well as the host of the midlife Podcast “Wellegant Woman: Redefining Midlife”. After going through her own midlife reinvention, Karen has become passionate about helping women in midlife age powerfully, create health and vitality, and make each new decade better than the last. In today’s episode, we discuss Karen’s journey to the creation of Wellegant Woman, how to keep driven and motivated in today’s youth-driven culture, words of wisdom to our past and future selves, and more. Let’s jump in! 1:07 - Introduction to Karen 1:34 - Karen’s journey to the creation of Wellegant Woman 5:50 - The first steps Karen took to giving herself emotional and physical priority 8:32 - Being willing and able to accept help when offered 9:48 - What is a healthy selfishness? 12:50 - How to deal with aging in a youth-driven culture, reframing aging 13:45 - Big changes begin with the physical 17:10 - What would we tell your younger self about aging? 19:00 - You’re here… now what!? Parting words of wisdom 20:30 - Where you can find Karen & wellegantwoman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel like you are too busy, too old, or too out of shape to begin a fitness journey? Well, think again - our guest Traci Townsend is here to start you on a path to become a stronger, more active, and more fit version of yourself. Traci is a retired public educator who made a big life shift, becoming a certified personal trainer and online fitness coach for women over 50. Now, she operates an online personal fitness coaching business, offering one-on-one consultations, custom workout plans, nutritional education, group classes, and more. However, it’s not just weights and bands with Traci… though those are important… she is also all about finding your “why” for physical fitness, and wants everyone to know that you can always start, wherever you are, right now. She is here to improve and maintain the quality of your life, and maybe get you a little muscle in the process! To learn more about Traci, visit her at https://www.fitnesswithtraci.com/ or on instagram @fitnesseithtraci 1:08 Traci Introduction 3:11 Getting certified in personal training 5:01 Introduction to Fitness With Traci 5:38 Top 3 Obstacles for women over 50 trying to get into fitness 7:36 Where do I start? 9:00 Accepting the you now vs the you then 10:30 Tapping into how you are feeling physically, and helping you feel better 12:30 Combating Negative Body Image and Negative Self Image, and the importance of Self Care 16:20 How do I find the time for physical fitness? 18:55 Finding Motivation for Fitness 23:21 Fitting your Fitness into your Lifestyle 24:43 5 Essential Fitness Tips from Traci 31:06 Where you can find Traci Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when two empty nesters decide to trek Fourteen Hundred miles on Europe’s GR5? Alicia sits down with Kathy Elkind, author of the new book, “To Walk it is to See it”, to find out! They discuss the profound insights and epiphanies Kathy had while walking 1400 miles with her husband Jim, through Europe. They also touch on the power of synchronicity and how mindfulness, self compassion and contentment were among the items she “packed” for this journey, and more. This was a wonderfully inspiring and spirited conversation that will have you seriously thinking about taking an adult gap year for adventure, yourself! To learn more about Kathy, and her book “To Walk It Is To See It”, visit her website https://www.kathyelkind.com/ :25 - Kathy’s Introduction 1:28 - Preparing to walk the GR5 4:50 - Sparking a love for the outdoors via Kathy’s upbringing 7:37 - How to pack self-care for an adventure 9:58 - Kathy’s relationship with food & body image, and journey of how she combated shame 15:10 - The great thing about menopause… 18:11 - Synchronicity in Kathy’s Journey: Being in the right place in the right moment 20:36 - The people that helped along the way 23:05 - Kathy’s relationship with her husband, and how it completely evolved from the journey… and how it reassured her. 26:45 - Lessons learned and moments of growth from leaping into writing a book 28:25 - Final words of wisdom from Kathy 29:13 - How to find Kathy and get “To Walk it is to See it” This Podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative with Senior Producer Matthew Jones, Producer Stephen Selnick, and Editor & Audio Engineer Rob Johnson. To learn more about making a Podcast for you or your business, visit rainbowcreative.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yoga is for everyone regardless of their gender, race, size and you guessed it, age! In this episode, Alicia sits, stands, and does various asanas with Ja Cole, yogi and founder of The Yoga Co-op “The Tree” in southern LA. Learn how practicing yoga can have many positive benefits both inside and outside of the studio. Resources: The Tree Yoga Cooperative: https://thetreeyogacoop.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think it’s too late to change your life or career? Think again! On this episode, Alicia sits down with Sharon Norris Elliot, award-winning author, minister, broadcaster, and mentor to discuss how to approach pivoting your career in this stage of life. You’ll learn how to hone in on your calling and embrace your value. Remember: you are here for a purpose, you are significant, and no one can do what you do, the way you do it! Resources: Sharon’s Website (where you can access all of her books and her AuthorizeMe program): https://lifethatmatters.net/ 0:30: Introduction to Sharon Norris Elliot 2:00: How to Understand Your Intuition So That You’re Steered in the Right Direction 3:54: Factors That May Impact Your Intuition 7:34: Are You Thinking of Making a Pivot? It’ll Take a Minute 10:17: Four Ways to Determine Where You Should Pivot 22:06: The Importance of Remembering Your Unique Talent and Value 27:48: How to Invest in Your Vision and Pivot 35:49 - When and How to Make the Final Leap Into Your New Career 39:47 - How to Tackle (And Embrace) The Anxiety That Comes With a Career Pivot 46:45 - Reframing Failure 49:40 - How to Get Comfortable in Your Transition 53:51 - It’s Time to Dream Big and Ask God “Now What?” 57:20 - Sharon Shares Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out this BONUS episode from a podcast I love, Peaches Podcast! Check out their show today here: https://peachespodcast.transistor.fm/ Host Misha McCleary chats with three millennial moms, Kizmik, Alexandria, and Catie, about each of their unique experiences throughout pregnancy in the 2020s. Together, they discuss the many challenges they face every day, as well as the rewards and joys pregnancy and motherhood brings to an individual. The guests share their personal stories and talk about the vast differences of actual pregnancy, compared to how it is viewed in society. The conversation covers a vast array of topics, including the struggle of their husbands not fully understanding the physical and emotional toll pregnancy takes on a person. They also delve into the topic of breastfeeding and how it is far less glamorous than the media makes it out to be. Join us today as our insightful guests share life advice for fellow millennial mothers on how to navigate the many ups and downs of pregnancy in this day and age! About Kizmik Odoms Kizmik Odoms is a native of Albany, Georgia. Raised in a single-parent household, her mother made the decision to move their family to Atlanta in 2003 for enhanced educational exposure and experiences. She attended the University of Georgia for her Bachelor’s degree then proceeded to get her Master’s degree from Auburn University before returning to Atlanta. Upon her return, Kizmik pursued and still maintains a career as Quality Assurance professional. Her love for travel and serving others inspired her to become a travel advisor. Along with traveling, Kizmik enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and dogs. About Alexandria Brown Alexandria Brown is a born and raised Atlanta, GA native. She is a graduate of The University of Georgia (2014), Georgia State University (2017), and Morehouse School of Medicine (2021). She currently works as a Physician Assistant in the field of Psychiatry and loves helping her patients. She is the proud mother of a baby boy, Owen, and a fur mom to two dogs Ginger and Aspen. Alexandria, her husband Marcus, and their family currently reside just outside of Atlanta. About Catie Thompson Catie Thompson was born and raised in Winston, Ga, a small city west of Atlanta. She currently resides in the suburbs of Atlanta with her husband and twin boys (17 months old). She is the Director of International Operations Support for Focus Brands, Inc. and also owns a small business with her own twin brother, Sparks Twins Lawn Care LLC. Catie enjoys working out, binge watching true crime documentaries and Law & Order: SVU, and creating lasting memories with her family and friends. She is a graduate of The University of Georgia and a proud, and ACTIVE, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This episode is produced with the support of Rainbow Creative. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been to the gas pump or the produce aisle recently you’ve probably noticed that this is not your grandmother’s economy. That’s why in this episode, we’re talking about money honey. Alicia chats with Terri Jones, financial advisor, and licensed insurance agent about what women can do to maximize their financial potential so that they can live their best lives. Resources: What would the Rockefellers do? The Power of Zero Money. Wealth. Life Insurance The Retirement Miracle This Podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative with Executive Producer Matthew Jones, and Producer and Editor Sean Leviashvili. To learn more about making a Podcast for you or your business, visit rainbowcreative.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Alicia sits down with award winning designer and celeb stylist Rebecca Force to discuss fashion rules for women over 50 (hint: there’s not as many as you think!) Learn how to edit your closet and get helpful tips for every piece in your wardrobe from shoes (including Crocs) to accessories. Most importantly Rebecca talks about how the days of “dress your age” are long gone and that “if you’re comfortable and youre confident you look beautiful”. Resources: https://www.therealreal.com/https://www.thredup.com/Chapters This Podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative with Executive Producer Matthew Jones, and Producer and Editor Sean Leviashvili. To learn more about making a Podcast for you or your business, visit rainbowcreative.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.