Meaning and Moxie After 50

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, guest Annalee Kruger, founder of Care Right Inc., shares a refreshing perspective on aging that shifts the focus from anxiety to empowerment. Rather than waiting for a crisis, she encourages families to engage in proactive "aging planning," which transforms what could be a heavy, stressful process into a thoughtful, collaborative journey. Kruger highlights how these discussions, when held before emergencies arise, often become lighter, open conversations where humor and clarity thrive, allowing families to honor their loved ones wishes while securing their safety and dignity. The interview underscores the hopeful possibility of turning a daunting transition into a time of connection and alignment. By acting as a neutral facilitator, Kruger helps adult children bridge communication gaps, reducing the weight of caregiving so it feels like a shared, manageable commitment rather than an isolating burden. This approach provides caregivers with the relief and confidence they need to move forward, ensuring that their loved ones are truly supported and celebrated throughout their aging experience. Annalee's info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaleekruger/ https://carerightinc.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.

This episode features a powerful conversation with Bonnie Strati on resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to become “whole again.” She shares how an unexpected job loss became the catalyst for writing her book Built Stronger: The Art of Becoming Whole Again. What started as a painful and disorienting moment evolved into a period of deep reflection, where writing became her outlet for processing not only that loss, but a lifetime of experiences that shaped her identity. Through storytelling, she began to reconnect with herself and reframe her narrative from one of loss to one of growth and possibility. Bonnie also opens up about her battle with illness, which added another profound layer to her journey. Being forced to slow down shifted her perspective on strength, moving away from constant striving and toward self-awareness, healing, and self-compassion. Together, you explore how setbacks—whether career-related or health-related—can serve as invitations to grow, especially in midlife and beyond. Her story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about pushing through at all costs, but about honoring your experiences, embracing vulnerability, and rebuilding a life that feels aligned, authentic, and whole. Bonnie's Info: https://www.instagram.com/bonniestrati/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDGZ9NDV/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_GB6PC5EZVRJP32B194CE?linkCode=ml1&tag=besoulfulcoac-20&linkId=05b7a560b04e754e24f74ec29aa82f1b **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.

This conversation centers on Monica Rodgers’ concept of the “trance of unworthiness,” a deeply ingrained mindset many women develop over time through subtle but constant societal messaging. She describes it as a “slow drip” of criticism, expectations, and cultural conditioning that gradually shapes how women see themselves—often leading them to internalize feelings of inadequacy just as they reach pivotal stages of identity and adulthood. Drawing from her own upbringing and experiences, Monica explains how these patterns become normalized, making it difficult for women to recognize that their self-doubt isn’t inherent, but learned. Throughout the interview, we explore the importance of interrupting this trance—bringing awareness to these unconscious beliefs and actively challenging them. The conversation highlights the power of self-reflection, healing, and reclaiming one’s sense of worth, especially in midlife and beyond when many women begin to question long-held narratives about who they are and what they deserve. Ultimately, the episode is both a wake-up call and an invitation: to break free from limiting beliefs, rewrite the internal story, and step into a more empowered, authentic version of oneself. Monica's Info: Website: http://jointherevelation.com Facebook: @revelationwoman Instagram: @revelationwoman **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.

This conversation with Dr. Torkil Færø is a powerful blend of science, storytelling, and lived experience. Drawing from his work as a physician, global traveler, and author, Torkil breaks down the concept of heart rate variability (HRV) and what it reveals about our stress, recovery, and overall health. He explains how many of us are living in a constant low-grade stress state—often without realizing it—and how learning to listen to the body’s signals can be a game changer. Through both research and personal insight, he offers a more nuanced, compassionate way to understand health—not as something to “push through,” but something to partner with. At the same time, Torkil brings in his identity as an adventurer, weaving in stories and perspective that go far beyond traditional medicine. He challenges the idea that vitality comes from doing more, and instead invites us to slow down, get curious, and reconnect—with our bodies, our energy, and the way we move through the world. It’s a conversation that gently nudges you to rethink how you’re living day to day, offering both practical tools and a refreshing mindset shift toward a more aware, energized, and meaningful life. Torkil's Info: https://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Cure-revolutionary-balance-optimise/dp/1529437334 https://www.instagram.com/dr.torkil/ **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.

This conversation centers around Michelle Petties’ journey with food addiction and the deeper emotional, psychological, and societal layers that surround it. Through discussing her book Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict, Michelle reframes overeating not as a simple lack of discipline, but as a complex and often misunderstood addiction rooted in pain, coping, and learned behaviors. The dialogue highlights how society tends to judge people struggling with weight without recognizing the underlying relationship with food, and emphasizes the importance of naming it honestly—“food addiction”—to begin addressing it with compassion and clarity. As the conversation unfolds, Michelle shares personal insights about her own experiences, illustrating how healing requires more than diets or willpower—it involves self-awareness, emotional work, and redefining one’s relationship with food and self-worth. Leslie and Michelle explore the cultural shifts happening around this topic, noting how it’s becoming more visible and openly discussed. The tone remains both compassionate and empowering, encouraging listeners to move away from shame and toward understanding, while recognizing that lasting change comes from addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms. Michelle's info: https://go.michellepetties.com/mindovermeals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJLr53XlIV4 https://go.michellepetties.com/pvc https://leavinglarge.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 speaks with Elsa Weill, who joins the conversation from Lyon. Elsa shares the story behind her project Coffee with Strangers, an initiative where she meets a new person every week for coffee—sometimes in person and sometimes online with people from around the world. After living in eight different countries over 25 years, Elsa created the project as a way to keep the spirit of travel and discovery alive even while staying rooted in one place. Through these conversations, she seeks out people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and generations, believing that meeting someone outside your usual circle expands perspective and sparks creativity. During the conversation, Elsa and Leslie reflect on the surprising depth that can come from speaking with someone you’ve just met. Without the expectations or roles we carry in our everyday relationships, strangers often feel freer to be honest, curious, and open. What begins as a simple coffee can quickly turn into a meaningful exchange about life, choices, and different ways of seeing the world. The episode becomes a reminder that connection doesn’t require years of history—sometimes all it takes is curiosity, a willingness to listen, and the courage to sit down with someone new. Elsa's info: https://www.coffeewithstrangers.net/ https://humanlibrary.org/ http://www.elsaweill.com/home-english **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 heartfelt reunion episode, Leslie reconnects with her childhood friend Andrea, someone who knew her back in their middle school days in South Florida—long before careers, families, and all the twists of adult life. What begins as a fun catch-up between old friends quickly becomes a powerful conversation about purpose and reinvention. Andrea shares stories from her 38-year career as a neonatal nurse, caring for some of the tiniest and most vulnerable babies while supporting families during deeply emotional moments. Her natural gift for nurturing people shines through in the moving stories she tells about the families she served and the lasting impact those relationships had on her life. But Andrea’s story isn’t just about a long career in nursing—it’s about continually evolving. Throughout her life she has reinvented herself several times, learning to listen to that inner voice that tells you when it’s time, as she says, to “change the channel.” From meaningful moments that came full circle years later to personal and spiritual growth along the way, Andrea’s journey is a reminder that life rarely follows a straight line. It’s a conversation about compassion, courage, and the beauty of staying open to the next chapter—no matter where life takes you. Andrea's Info: https://andreaackersoninteriors.net/ https://mylemonlife.com/home **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 conversation, Leslie sits down with Tamara Hill to explore what it really means to carry our stories into midlife and beyond. Together, they talk about the quiet weight many women hold—unspoken grief, anxiety that lingers beneath the surface, complicated family dynamics, and the lifelong habit of being “the strong one.” Drawing from her memoir in poems, Threads of Becoming, Tamara shares how putting words to pain can become an act of courage—and how reflection can gently transform survival into self-understanding. This episode isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about honoring the threads that shaped you and choosing, with intention, which ones you’ll carry forward. For any woman navigating midlife, retirement, or simply a season of inner reckoning, this conversation offers validation, compassion, and hope. Because after 50, we aren’t unraveling—we’re becoming. Tamara's Info: https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Becoming-Memoir-Poems/dp/1967510725 https://thehillhousegroup.com/pages/biography **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 rich and reflective conversation, Sandy Hammond shares her experiences walking two different routes of the Camino de Santiago — first the Camino del Norte and later the Portuguese route from Porto — describing how what began as a carefully planned, mileage-focused adventure slowly transformed into something much deeper. As a self-proclaimed “Type A planner,” Sandy arrived with spreadsheets and daily distance goals, only to discover that the Camino has its own pace and personality. Through café stops, long communal meals, and conversations with pilgrims from around the world, she learned that the journey isn’t about conquering miles but surrendering to the rhythm of the day. The contrasts between routes — the quieter, more flexible Norte and the increasingly popular Portuguese path requiring more advance planning — offered practical insights, but it was the human connection and the slow unfolding of each day that left the greatest mark. Layered into the conversation is Leslie’s own experience walking the Camino Francés, adding another dimension to the discussion. Together, the stories highlight how each route carries a different energy, yet all invite the same deeper shift — from productivity to presence, from control to curiosity. Leslie reflects on her own lessons from the Francés, the beauty of shared struggle and simple routines, and the surprising clarity that can emerge from putting one foot in front of the other for days on end. What emerges is a powerful reminder that adventure after 50 isn’t about checking a box — it’s about saying yes, loosening the grip on perfection, and allowing the road to change you along the way. A slice of what you can find online regarding the Caminos: https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago-routes **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, Kerry Fink shares how a career that began in media and broadcasting — including work connected to The Music of Your Life — naturally evolved into a deeper mission of serving seniors and the families who support them. What started as connecting audiences through music and storytelling became something much bigger: helping communities better understand aging, caregiving, and the realities many families quietly face. Through work with organizations like the Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation, Kerry has helped bring visibility, education, and compassion to conversations many people don’t know how to start. Together, we explore how aging isn’t just a medical or logistical journey — it’s an emotional and relational one. This conversation highlights the power of information, the importance of early conversations, and the unexpected connection and meaning that can grow when families face aging with openness instead of fear. At its heart, this episode is a hopeful reminder that while aging changes roles, it can also deepen relationships, strengthen families, and invite us into a more intentional, connected second half of life. Kerry's Info: https://helpingseniorsofbrevard.info/meet-kerry-fink/ https://kerryfink.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.

Juli Ford shares how multi-generational living is rapidly shifting from a niche lifestyle choice to a practical solution for two major realities families are facing at the same time: an aging population needing more support and younger generations struggling with housing affordability. Drawing from both her real estate expertise and her own 10-year experience living with her 82-year-old mother, Julie explains how combining households can strengthen family bonds, reduce living expenses, and help families build long-term financial security. She also highlights how many families are already curious about this model — often quietly wishing it were possible for them — especially those in the sandwich generation caring for both parents and adult children. Beyond the housing logistics, Julie emphasizes that the real key to successful multi-generational living isn’t floor plans — it’s conversations. She encourages families to start with honest discussions about expectations, boundaries, finances, daily life rhythms, and future care needs before anyone moves in together. The conversation explores how American cultural ideals around independence are evolving, and how choosing interdependence can actually create stronger families, better emotional support, and more resilient financial futures when done intentionally and with clear communication. Juli's info: https://juliford.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.

Americans spend decades preparing for retirement financially, yet arrive completely unprepared for the emotional and social shift that comes with it. In this solo episode, Leslie explores why retirement in America earns a solid D—not because people failed, but because the system never taught us how to transition from productivity to purpose. When work ends, identity, structure, connection, and meaning often go with it, leaving many retirees wondering why this long-anticipated chapter feels oddly uncomfortable. With warmth, humor, and real-world insight from her work as a coach, Leslie reframes this “retirement letdown” as a normal—and fixable—experience. She unpacks what’s missing in the way we talk about retirement and offers a more human, life-centered way forward—one that values connection, contribution, and joy just as much as financial readiness. This episode invites listeners to stop blaming themselves and start redesigning retirement in a way that actually works. Leslie's info: https://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.

We like to believe that if we’re careful, if we’re smart, if we trust our instincts, we’ll be fine. That scams happen to “other people.” But the truth is, many of the people who get scammed are thoughtful, responsible, and paying attention. And what really trips us up isn’t ignorance—it’s emotion, timing, and a few assumptions we don’t even realize we’re making. Today’s conversation is about learning how scams actually work—not from a place of fear, but from a place of understanding. My guest, Dale Cardwell, has spent years seeing behind the curtain, watching the patterns repeat, and understanding why even savvy people say yes when they wish they hadn’t. This isn’t about shaming or scaring anyone. It’s about getting smarter, asking better questions, and realizing that protection doesn’t always come from the systems we think are in place. If you’ve ever wondered, “Would I see it coming?” or “How do people fall for this?”—this episode will change the way you think. And more importantly, it will help you slow down, stay grounded, and protect yourself with clarity instead of fear. Dale's info: https://trustdale.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.

Caregiving has a way of slowly filling the space around your life until it feels like there’s little room left for you. In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, I talk with Barbara Stratte about what happens when caring for someone you love becomes a long-term reality, not just a temporary role. Barbara shares her story of navigating caregiving while balancing the rest of her life, and the emotional shifts that came with it. Our conversation focuses on the quieter parts of caregiving—the mental load, the sense of responsibility, and the subtle identity changes that many women experience but rarely talk about. We explore how to stay connected to yourself, set realistic expectations, and acknowledge your own needs without guilt. If you’re caring for someone and wondering how to keep your footing in the process, this episode offers understanding, perspective, and reassurance that you’re not alone. Barbara's Info: Website: thesandwichedgen.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 conversation, Leslie sits down with Kathleen Quinn to talk about what happens after success—when the goals are met, the career box is checked, and the money question is no longer the question. Together, they name the quiet, confusing space many accomplished people find themselves in: not dissatisfied, not struggling, but no longer motivated by the things that once drove them. Kathleen brings clarity and honesty to this moment, reframing it not as a crisis, but as a natural transition when external achievement stops answering an internal call. Rather than treating this phase as an ending, Leslie and Kathleen explore it as a powerful opening. One where wisdom, freedom, and earned confidence create space for deeper purpose and intentional choice. The conversation invites listeners to release the pressure to “do more” and instead ask what feels meaningful now. This chapter isn’t about proving your value—it’s about expressing it, with curiosity, courage, and self-trust. Kathleen's Info: https://kathleenaquinn.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.

This conversation follows Fabian Fernandez not just across oceans, but through a deeply personal act of trust. When we first spoke in February, he was setting out on the final leg of his solo sail across the Pacific—without fanfare, without certainty, and with more than a few people questioning his choice. What carried him forward wasn’t ego or adrenaline, but a quiet resolve to listen to a call he couldn’t explain away. As the miles passed, so did something else: fear softened, clarity sharpened, and a deeper sense of alignment began to take shape. By the time Fabian sailed back into Malaysia, everything had shifted. He returned as only the fourth Malaysian to ever sail around the world, welcomed by a full harbor, community leaders, and regional royalty. But the real transformation wasn’t in the celebration—it was in who he became along the way. This episode is about what happens when you leave quietly, stay the course, and allow the journey to change you. It’s a reminder that the boldest chapters often begin without applause—and end with a homecoming you never could have imagined. Fabian's Info: 1. FB - Fabian Fernandez 2. IG- tktok - DestinyTwelve 3. Website- www.destinydawnsailing.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.

This conversation explores how Diane Allen teaches people to access a genuine state of flow by working directly with the nervous system rather than forcing creativity or performance. Her approach uses sound, movement, and deep listening to help people shift out of stress-based patterns and into states of regulation where focus, intuition, and presence naturally emerge. Instead of chasing peak experiences, the emphasis is on learning how to soften attention, quiet internal interference, and recognize the physical and emotional signals that indicate when flow is available. The discussion also connects her work to science—touching on concepts like nervous system regulation, entrainment, and parasympathetic activation—while keeping the focus on lived experience rather than abstract theory. Flow is framed as a biological and trainable state, not a mystical accident, and one that becomes more accessible as people learn how to listen to their body and respond in real time. The result is a practical, grounded understanding of flow that applies equally to musicians, creatives, performers, and anyone seeking more ease, clarity, and coherence in daily life. Diane's info is found below. https://ovou.com/dianeallen **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 internationally recognized horse trainer and competitor Tik Maynard for a conversation that goes far beyond horses. Tik shares how working with animals—who respond only to presence, patience, and clarity—reveals the hidden ways humans sabotage learning through fear, impatience, and the need to control outcomes. Horses don’t care about age, résumés, or past mistakes, and that truth becomes a powerful mirror for how we approach change later in life. Together, Leslie and Tik explore why starting something new after 50 can actually be an advantage, not a setback. They unpack the myth that speed equals success, the cost of rushing growth, and why discomfort is often a sign you’re learning—not failing. This episode is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t require forcing or proving anything; it begins when you slow down, stay curious, and trust that growth has no expiration date. Find Tik's book at this link: https://trafalgarbooks.com/collections/biography-memoir/products/starting-in-the-middle http://copperlineequestrian.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.

This interview with Christina Woods goes straight at one of the most dangerous ideas women over 50 are taught to accept: that wanting more means you’re ungrateful or unrealistic. Christina doesn’t talk about “starting over” or chasing some glossy reinvention. Instead, she names the quiet erosion that happens when we stop questioning the rules we inherited about aging, success, and staying safe. Together, we unpack how comfort, people-pleasing, and fear of judgment slowly shrink our world — often without us even realizing it. What makes this conversation powerful is its mix of honesty and hope. Christina offers a grounded, compassionate challenge to anyone who feels restless but stuck, capable but hesitant. This isn’t about blowing up your life — it’s about reclaiming your authority, trusting your inner voice, and choosing growth even when it feels uncomfortable. If you’ve been sensing there’s more ahead of you — and wondering whether you’re allowed to reach for it — this interview gives you both the permission and the courage to begin. Christina's Info: https://christinalwoods.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.

Today, we are talking to a man who proves that the second half of life is where the real challenges begin. Our guest, Dr. Vincent Pearson, has worn many hats: he’s a practicing pharmacist, a licensed pilot, and a master-level tournament chess player. But what he's done after turning fifty will truly blow you away. After receiving a wake-up call about his family's health history, Vincent traded the couch for a 10K training schedule, becoming a competitive runner even after a hip replacement. And when his marriage needed a spark? He didn't go to therapy—he went to the bowling alley, where he eventually competed on the PBA Tour. Vincent believes the thrill of competition is "like a drug," and he is relentlessly pursuing mastery in every corner of his life. Tune in as Dr. Pearson shares the powerful reason why he’s devoted himself to this life of competition and learning—how his pursuit of mastery not only saved his health but also completely redefined his life after fifty. Find Vincent in Instagram @ vinnietheconquerer **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.