He had everything going for him, until his body shut him down on live TV.In this episode, Dan Harris sits down with Chip Conley for a warm, honest conversation about ambition, anxiety, and what really changes in midlife. Dan opens up about the panic attack that forced him to slow down, his years inside high-pressure newsrooms at ABC, and the quiet realization that productivity, without presence, was costing him more than it gave. What follows is not a polished mindfulness pitch, but a deeply human reflection on letting go, growing wiser, and redefining success in the second half of life. In this conversation, you’ll hear Dan reflect on:Why anxiety and ambition are often two sides of the same coinHow meditation helped him step out of the productivity trap—not optimize itWhat he had to release after becoming outwardly “successful”Why midlife is better understood as a chrysalis, not a crisisHow relationships, presence, and character shape a more meaningful future If you’re navigating midlife, questioning old definitions of success, or simply craving a more spacious way to live, this conversation will feel like sitting down with two thoughtful friends who’ve been there. Watch now and join the conversation. Timestamps:02:17 Defining midlife and Dan Harris’s journey03:50 Panic attack on live TV05:31 From panic attack to meditation06:46 Family background and anxiety08:31 Decade between crisis and mindfulness advocacy09:33 Therapy spirituality and discovering meditation13:37 Writing 10% Happier14:22 Origin of the 10% happier idea16:43 Science and benefits of meditation19:47 Skepticism identity and cognitive dissonance22:14 Life after the book’s success26:06 Productivity versus presence29:47 Burnout hyper productivity and 360 review33:06 Letting go of roles and redefining life35:59 Midlife as chrysalis not crisis39:36 Favorite meditation practices42:09 Wisdom midlife and modern elderhood45:08 Character skills in the age of AI47:07 Personal wisdom and life lessons49:10 Closing reflections and goodbye Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

Cancer doesn’t just affect your health. It changes how you see yourself and your life. In this warm and honest conversation, Chip Conley sits down with Caryn Lerman to explore the emotional side of cancer that often goes unspoken. Together, they talk about identity shifts, caregiving, and what it really means to move through the messy middle of midlife after a diagnosis. In this episode, you’ll hear:How cancer reshapes identity, not just the bodyWhy caregivers carry an invisible emotional loadWhat it means to live intentionally after cancerHow vulnerability can become a source of strengthWatch the full episode and join us for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation about healing, meaning, and becoming who you are now. Timestamps:04:14 Psychology of cancer survivors and caregivers06:47 Identity loss and existential impact of cancer07:53 Chip’s cancer diagnosis and early denial13:13 Regret fear, and emotional processing16:23 Cancer as a teacher and life priorities19:39 Anxiety treatment and living with uncertainty20:33 Staying busy to avoid difficult emotions24:16 Values family and vulnerability26:01 Strength identity and emotional suppression28:01 Caregivers and lack of support systems30:10 Invisible burden of caregiving32:06 Emotional catharsis and healing journey35:32 Caregiver and survivor archetypes38:49 Inside the cancer thrivers workshop42:18 Identity mapping and letting go43:41 Meaning values and intentional living45:42 How friends can best support someone with cancer47:26 Cancer is not a linear journey48:28 Wisdom bumper sticker advice51:53 Growth outside the comfort zone Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/

What if the way you start your morning is quietly shaping how your whole day feels?Chip Conley sits down with Derek Gehl to explore why so many midlife routines start to feel empty and how turning them into simple, meaningful rituals can bring more calm, clarity, and purpose to everyday life. Together, Chip and Derek share:Why routines can feel mechanical, while rituals help us feel present and changedHow to gently layer meaning onto things you already do, like showering or stretchingWhy small morning rituals can boost mood, energy, and emotional well-beingHow affirmations work best when they’re personal, specific, and emotionally realEasy ways to create micro-rituals that set a better tone for your day If midlife has you longing for more intention without adding more to your plate, this episode is a friendly invitation to start small and start with your morning.Give it a listen, try one simple ritual this week, and notice what begins to shift. Timestamps:02:12 Morning rituals vs routines02:28 Routine vs ritual04:00 Shower meditation prayers05:48 Affirmations and new stretching ritual11:21 The impact of morning rituals12:27 Accountability and consistency14:01 Rituals as landmarks and micro rituals15:24 How to create your own rituals17:07 Science and specificity of affirmations Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

In this episode, Chip Conley sits down with Christine Sperber, co-founder of MEA and master experience designer, to explore how awe, ritual, and community can bring us back to life in midlife. Drawing from ski town culture, life in Baja, and years of building transformational experiences, Christine offers a hopeful reframe of aging as something to design, not fix.In this conversation, Chip and Christine explore:Why purpose matters more than productivity in midlifeHow simple rituals create meaning, resilience, and belongingWhat nature, movement, and community teach us about vitalityWhy transitions like perimenopause and loss call for compassion, not hustleIf midlife feels like a pause, a question mark, or an invitation to something more, this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and hopeful.Listen now and rediscover what it means to feel fully alive in midlife. Timestamps:03:22 Christine Sperber’s background06:55 Leaving Colorado for Baja08:49 First experience of Baja and Pescadero10:59 Freedom and living in rhythm with nature15:15 Experience design and creating meaningful gatherings17:48 Baking bread as ritual and collective practice22:14 Origin story of MEA24:02 Early doubts and building a local economy26:07 Lessons from the first MEA beta cohorts30:38 Ski towns, purpose, and longevity research33:46 Aging, vitality, and midlife perspective40:49 Introversion, ritual, and reclaiming time46:19 Third vault conversations and authentic community48:26 Moral beauty as a pathway to awe54:11 Transformation through deep connection56:19 Designing belonging and social bonds57:28 Wisdom bumper stickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

Midlife isn’t the end of the story, it’s the chapter where something new wants to begin.In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley sits down with Pam McLean, pioneering coach, co-founder of the Hudson Institute of Coaching, and a guiding voice on adult development and the “bonus years.” Together, they explore why midlife isn’t about stepping back, but about letting go and moving forward with intention.Pam shares:Why releasing old identities is essential for growthWhat the “bonus years” make possible at any ageHow Life Forward helps reframe change as opportunityWhy discomfort, grief, and curiosity are part of becomingWhat truly makes a great coach — in life and in leadershipThis is a warm, thoughtful conversation for anyone standing at a crossroads and wondering what comes next. Watch now and discover how midlife can become a powerful new beginning. Timestamps:03:32 Pam’s early life and background04:17 From clinical psychology to coaching07:06 How coaching has developed09:31 Life Forward and Hudson Institute11:46 The midlife happiness curve14:53 Cancer as a life teacher16:06 Hudson Institute and MEA connection18:08 Letting go of old identities21:50 Navigating major life transitions26:27 Why experimentation matters27:39 Men vs women in midlife31:01 What makes a great coach33:47 Why people choose coaching35:15 Gender balance in coaching35:51 Coaching in the age of AI38:20 How to choose the right coach40:38 Creativity later in life42:41 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

Midlife isn’t falling apart. It’s asking for your attention.In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley dismantles the idea of the “midlife crisis” and replaces it with a far more hopeful and powerful framework: midlife as a chrysalis, a necessary transition into a second adulthood. Drawing from social science, psychology, and his own deeply personal story, Chip explains why midlife often feels like a breakdown, why it’s actually normal, and how it can become the most meaningful chapter of your life. In this conversation, you’ll discover:- Why happiness dips in midlife and rises afterward- How identity loss and burnout are signals, not failures- Why midlife hits men and women differently- How wisdom and purpose often peak later in life If you’re feeling burned out, disoriented, or quietly wondering, “Is this all there is?”, the answer, as Chip shows, is no. This is where something new begins.👉 Watch now to understand what midlife is really asking of you and how to move from breakdown to transformation. Timestamps:01:20 The Origin of the Midlife Crisis Idea04:40 The U Curve of Happiness06:21 Why Midlife Is Not a Crisis09:12 Becoming a Modern Elder11:24 Chip’s Midlife Struggles21:11 Why Midlife Lacks Support Systems23:17 Biology vs Life Circumstances25:49 How to Move from Crisis to Chrysalis30:23 Watching People Self-Destruct in Midlife34:18 Rebranding Midlife for the Future Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeCrisis #MidlifeTransformation #SecondAdulthood #MidlifeWisdom #MidlifePurpose #ModernElder #MidlifeBurnout #HappinessCurve #LifeTransitions #MidlifePodcast #AgingWell #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeReset #LifeAfter40 #FindingPurpose

What happens when ambition slows down, and wisdom begins to lead? Chip Conley, founder of Modern Elder Academy and host of Midlife Chrysalis, sits down with California Governor Gavin Newsom for a rare, deeply personal conversation shaped by nearly 30 years of mentorship and friendship. This is not a political interview, it’s an honest exploration of midlife, identity, and becoming.Together, they reflect on:How Gavin’s upbringing and dyslexia shaped his leadershipWhy legalizing same-sex marriage became a defining moral momentWhat the “winter years” between mayor and governor revealedHow fatherhood and midlife reshaped his relationship with powerWhy grace, humility, and resilience matter now more than everWarm, thoughtful, and deeply human, this episode explores what’s possible when we slow down and listen. If you’re navigating change or reinvention, watch now and step into the chrysalis.Timestamps:03:26 Welcome to Midlife Chrysalis04:06 Long friendship and early mentorship05:54 Childhood and family background08:48 Gavin’s writing experience16:03 Becoming mayor of San Francisco17:38 Decision to legalize gay marriage25:11 Impact of marriage equality27:54 Political winter as lieutenant governor29:24 Identity loss and slowing down33:21 Humility and leadership lessons35:22 Grace humility after years of division38:46 The lost art of civil disagreement41:49 Political vision and building bridges44:10 Stoicism and wisdom traditions47:44 Fatherhood and authenticity49:27 Wisdom bumper stickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

What happens when success stops working and midlife hits hard?Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes, shares the story behind his most difficult chapter. After building a global brand and achieving massive success, Blake found himself facing a deep midlife reckoning marked by depression, loss of identity, and an urgent search for meaning beyond achievement.Blake opens up about:- How selling part of TOMS triggered an unexpected identity collapse- Why midlife depression often follows success, not failure- The treatments and inner work that helped him recover, including ketamine therapy and TMS- The simple but life-changing realization that shifted everything: “I am enough”- Why connection and community matter more than success or status👉 Watch now to hear Blake Mycoskie’s most vulnerable and meaningful story yet. Timestamps:01:11 Blake’s early entrepreneur journey02:49 Reality Central and first major failure04:59 The business lesson that shaped TOMS07:49 Creating the one for one model08:43 Selling TOMS and losing identity12:36 Depression behind the public image16:23 Searching for relief outside himself17:24 Medication fog and deep isolation19:30 Why telling others saved his life20:54 Moving beyond traditional medication21:12 Ketamine and TMS25:53 Discovering the core wound28:49 India and lasting inner freedom33:27 Launching the Enough initiative35:58 I’m Enough ritual poem37:57 How the nonprofit model works38:47 The growing mental health crisis43:13 Self compassion and flow state46:28 How to support someone in depression51:54 Living with fear of relapse54:17 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#BlakeMycoskie #MidlifeCrisis #MentalHealthAwareness #EntrepreneurMentalHealth #SuccessAndDepression #TOMSFounder #MidlifeJourney #DepressionRecovery #FindingPurpose #SelfWorth #MentalHealthPodcast #MidlifeTransformation #HealingJourney #MenAndMentalHealth #IAmEnough

What if aging alone isn’t the only option?As midlife reshapes relationships, identity, and housing, a bold question emerges: what if women chose community instead of solitude?In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Chip Conley, founder of Modern Elder Academy, joins Derek Gehl to explore the early-stage idea behind Golden Girls–style living, an intentional housing experiment he’s beginning in Santa Fe to address loneliness, gray divorce, and the realities of solo aging.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why more women are aging solo in midlife- Why social connection matters more than health hacks- How housing no longer fits modern midlife needs- What Golden Girls–style living could look like in practiceThis isn’t a finished solution — it’s a timely experiment that reimagines how we live and age.👉 Watch now and decide if community belongs in your next chapter. Timestamps:02:40 Golden Girls homes concept03:41 Gray divorce and solo agers06:20 Loneliness and housing mismatch08:05 Why Golden Girls homes now10:10 The Santa Fe pilot homes12:49 Workshops and community vision15:29 What the research revealed18:14 Matching roommates and house culture21:10 Affordability and rental model24:10 What about men26:36 Long term vision and legacy29:21 How to get involved29:55 Final reflections Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeChrysalis #GoldenGirlsHomes #MidlifeTransition #SoloAgers #GrayDivorce #LonelinessEpidemic #IntentionalLiving #MidlifeCommunity #WomenOver50 #AgingWell #CommunityLiving #ModernElders #MidlifeWisdom #HousingInnovation #SocialConnection

Aging in America has never been the same for everyone. Chip Conley sits down with Ray Jetson, pastor, former Louisiana legislator, and author of Aging While Black, to explore why aging isn’t a race-neutral experience and what it really means to age well in a system that was never built for everyone.Ray shares a simple, powerful way to rethink aging through community, innovation, and shared wisdom across generations.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why aging while Black carries unique structural and economic realitiesHow the village concept and Sankofa help bridge past, present, and futureWhy technology and mutual mentorship matter for aging wellWhat collective longevity looks like across generationsThis conversation invites us to rethink aging, equity, and how we care for one another at every stage of life. Watch now and join the conversation. Timestamps:03:02 Three pillars of aging while black05:43 The village concept and African origins08:18 Ubuntu and community identity11:11 The Black church as a village13:07 Embracing innovation and technology18:39 Sankofa and learning from the past24:38 Intergenerational circles and family wisdom27:35 Collective longevity across generations33:08 Keeping hopeful and building systems39:50 Sources of inspiration and leadership43:20 What makes aging while black different51:03 Wisdom bumper sticker53:27 Closing thoughts and workshop invitation Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

Most leaders are chasing short-term wins and missing the long game.In this episode, Chip Conley talks with Rand Stagen, founder of the Stagen Leadership Academy, about what’s quietly breaking leadership today and how to lead with purpose, perspective, and staying power.Rand shares hard-earned insights from decades of working with CEOs and entrepreneurs who want more than success, they want meaning.You’ll learn:- Why short-term thinking undermines great leadership- What it means to play the infinite game- How awareness creates better choices- Why the best leaders think in decades, not quartersIf you’re leading others, or rethinking your own direction, this conversation offers a clear, grounded reframe.👉 Watch now and start playing the long game. Timestamps:05:51 Rand Stagen personal leadership journey07:47 The advice for young entrepreneurs10:17 Entrepreneurial roots and early influences12:43 Founding the Leadership Academy16:50 Structure of the leadership program22:23 Integral theory explained26:18 Leadership and polarization35:57 Practical advice for leaders41:45 Conscious Capitalism principles45:41 Short term versus long term thinking52:01 Workshop goals and takeaways56:18 Who the workshop is for58:12 Leadership wisdom and closing insight Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#LeadershipDevelopment, #ConsciousLeadership, #LongTermThinking, #LeadershipMindset, #PersonalGrowth, #ExecutiveLeadership, #PurposeDrivenLeadership, #InfiniteGame, #MidlifeLeadership, #SelfLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #AwarenessAndChoice, #ModernLeadership, #LeadershipWisdom, #ChipConley

Most companies are racing toward AI, efficiency, and scale while quietly losing the one advantage that actually sustains great leadership: wisdom. In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, we reveal why culture, lived experience, and human judgment matter more than ever. Chip draws on decades of leadership experience to explain why many organizations are losing their edge and what they can do to reclaim it. In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why leadership is a practice, not a personality trait- How culture is shaped when leaders aren’t in the room- What companies lose when institutional wisdom disappears- The difference between knowledge workers and wisdom workers in the AI era As technology accelerates, human skills become the real competitive edge.👉 Watch now and discover how wisdom future-proofs leadership and culture. Timestamps:00:13 Leadership as a practice02:29 Culture leaders overlook05:18 Defining real company culture08:57 Institutional wisdom loss13:47 Knowledge workers vs wisdom workers18:30 AI impact on early careers22:22 Humanities and philosophy comeback22:44 Wisdom at Airbnb25:53 Informal mentors and EQ27:57 Leading yourself first28:18 Resources and upcoming workshop30:12 Closing thoughts Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#LeadershipWisdom #WisdomAtWork #FutureOfLeadership #AIAndLeadership #CompanyCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #KnowledgeVsWisdom #HumanSkills #MentorshipMatters #InstitutionalWisdom #LeadershipDevelopment #WisdomWednesday #LeadershipCulture #AIImpact #ModernLeadership

Have you ever reached a point in life where what once worked… suddenly doesn’t?In this warm conversation with Chip, Ben Katt, MEA’s faculty in residence and author of The Way Home, offers a hopeful reframe of midlife. Rather than seeing it as a breakdown, Ben invites us to see this season as a meaningful transition, one that asks us to let go of old roles and reconnect with who we truly are. In this episode, you’ll discover:- Why midlife often feels disorienting, even when life looks “successful” on the outside- How releasing familiar identities creates space for deeper purpose and wholeness- Why stillness, reflection, and meditation are essential during times of change- How community and support help us move through transitions with more easy If you’re feeling restless, uncertain, or quietly asking “What’s next?”, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and a sense of direction.👉 Watch now and explore what this chapter of your life is gently calling you toward.Timestamps:00:35 The Hero’s Journey and The Way Home04:49 Ben’s five-year soul journey07:20 Achievement perfectionism and people pleasing09:44 Meditation and inner balance13:19 Phase 1: Leaving the familiar15:46 Phase 2: Falling into the unknown18:30 Dark night of the ego20:51 Wander in the wild23:56 Support and community29:52 Phase 3: Rising to wholeness33:46 Stillness and begin again38:58 Teaching wisdom without religion44:13 The wisdom well metaphor47:21 Why wisdom matters now50:28 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/Find Ben Katt at https://benkattofficial.com/ #MidlifeTransition #MidlifeCrisis #MidlifeTransformation #HeroJourney #FindingPurpose #MidlifeWisdom #LifeTransitions #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeAwakening #SecondHalfOfLife #InnerWork #MeaningInMidlife #JosephCampbell #WisdomTraditions #MidlifeChrysalis

What if the wellness advice you followed for years stops working after 50?In this episode, wellness pioneers Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Wanderlust, and Schuyler Grant, founder of Kula Yoga Project, share how their approach to health quietly but radically shifted in midlife, and why many popular wellness habits fall short as we age.With decades spent in yoga, wellness festivals, and lived experience, they share what actually matters now.They share insights on:- Why yoga alone isn’t enough after 50- How muscle and strength shape metabolic and brain health- The importance of diverse movement, not extremes- How simple habits and presence support long-term well-beingThis is a grounded, honest conversation about aging well — without hype or shortcuts.👉 Watch now and rethink what midlife wellness really requires. Timestamps:01:22 Skylar’s yoga studio near Ground Zero05:54 The origins of Wanderlust09:47 Early resistance to the festival idea11:28 Wellness hotels and business travel14:32 Challenges of working with a spouse20:52 What wellness means after 5020:52 Muscle, metabolism, and aging26:30 Yoga versus strength training29:43 Muscle health and brain health31:37 Diversity of movement in midlife34:38 Curiosity, learning, and discomfort37:34 Habit stacking explained40:27 Wellness and politics45:49 Upcoming Baja workshop49:27 Wisdom bumper stickers Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #WellnessAfter50 #MidlifeWellness #HealthyAging #StrengthAfter50 #MuscleAfter50 #AgingWell #Over50Health #MidlifeHealth #LongevityLifestyle #FunctionalFitness #WellnessPodcast #HealthyMidlife #MindBodyHealth #HabitsForHealth #LifeAfter50

Why most New Year’s resolutions fail before February? In this episode of Wisdom Wednesday, we take an honest look at why good intentions fade quickly and share a simple, practical framework for building habits that last. Drawing from real-life experience, we break down how to turn good intentions into daily actions, without relying on motivation alone.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why most resolutions fail- How habit stacking makes change automatic- The “Four Ps” that make goals stick- Why public accountability matters- How to build habits that last beyond JanuaryIf you’re done repeating the same resolutions every year, this episode will help you do it differently.👉 Watch now and start the year with habits that actually stick.Timestamps:00:44 Morning people and Baja midnight01:39 Why New Year’s resolutions fail02:07 Common resolutions and lack of a plan03:30 Habit stacking explained05:10 Turning resolutions into daily practice06:10 The four Ps framework07:45 Pairing and social accountability08:39 Passion versus accountability09:50 Why fewer goals work better11:03 Learning from past resolutions11:50 Personal resolutions and alcohol13:10 Family time as a long-term priority14:14 Final reflections for 202515:02 Age, milestones, and perspective Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#NewYearsResolutions #HabitBuilding #HabitsThatStick #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeWisdom #BehaviorChange #GoalSetting #Accountability #HabitStacking #Mindfulness #SelfImprovement #Longevity #Wellbeing #LifeDesign #WisdomWednesday

Midlife can feel confusing, even when life looks good from the outside. Careers change, relationships shift, and the way we see ourselves starts to evolve, leaving many people feeling stuck in between what was and what’s next.In this episode, Kari Cardinale, Chief Content Officer and partner at Modern Elder Academy, explains why these moments aren’t breakdowns but transitions, and why learning to navigate them is an essential life skill. Through her work on Transitional Intelligence, Kari shares what’s really happening during midlife change and how to move through it with greater clarity and confidence.You’ll learn:• Why most midlife “crises” are actually misunderstood transitions• The three stages of change: endings, the messy middle, and new beginnings• Why the messy middle feels so hard — and why it matters• How rituals, community, and small “glimmers” guide what comes next If you’re feeling stuck or sensing a shift in your life, this episode will help you understand where you are and how to move forward.👉 Navigating Transitions online course from Modern Elder Academy offers a supportive, step-by-step way to work through change with clarity and confidence, starting March 2: https://www.meawisdom.com/navigating-transitions-online/Timestamps:01:20 What is transitional intelligence03:58 The three stages of transition06:02 Voluntary and involuntary change08:02 Why transitions take longer than we expect11:50 The role of ritual in midlife15:54 The messy middle and uncertainty17:53 Glimmers and new beginnings21:44 Growth mindset in midlife24:28 Kari’s personal transition story28:37 The birth of Modern Elder Academy31:36 Love and relationships in midlife34:48 What truly gets better with age37:23 Building community and belonging42:31 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#KariCardinale #MidlifeTransitions #MidlifeChange #MessyMiddle #LifeTransitions #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeWisdom #ModernElder #TransitionalIntelligence #EmotionalIntelligence #MidlifePurpose #NewBeginnings #GrowthMindset #MidlifeJourney #InnerWork

He didn’t plan on being successful. He just followed what pulled at him and kept letting go when it stopped working. In this episode, Stacy Peralta, legendary skateboarder, filmmaker behind Dogtown and Z-Boys, and modern elder, shares how a life built on passion, curiosity, and vulnerability led him from skateboarding to filmmaking to painting, without clinging to any single identity. Rather than chasing security or certainty, Stacy reveals why reinvention requires becoming a beginner again and why midlife may be the most powerful time to do it.In this conversation, Stacy explores:- Why holding onto past identities quietly blocks your future- How embracing vulnerability and being a “kook” unlocks growth- The difference between loving something and knowing when to let it go- How intuition, not logic, often guides the most meaningful transitions- Daily practices that keep creativity, curiosity, and vitality alive 👉 Watch the full episode now and discover why letting go might be the most powerful move you can make. Timestamps:00:58 Early life mischief and finding skateboarding03:32 Understanding transitions and success05:57 Realizing it was time to leave skateboarding06:38 Becoming a beginner in filmmaking10:46 Family influence and unconventional paths13:16 Work ethic creativity and self reliance15:19 Learning from surfer elders16:59 Following what you love in midlife18:41 Giving your gift and letting it go20:00 Embracing vulnerability and being a kook24:10 Facing fear of being too old28:00 Flow challenge and skill31:10 MEA workshops experience34:25 Quiet rebellion and midlife dreams37:05 Listening intuition and creating space39:05 Letting go of control41:23 Daily practices for vitality42:46 Harmonizing heart and mind43:07 The power of listening44:51 Closing reflections and gratitude Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#StacyPeralta #MidlifeReinvention #ModernElder #PersonalReinvention #MidlifeTransition #GrowthMindset #CreativeLife #LettingGo #SecondAct #PurposeInMidlife #LifeTransitions #DogtownAndZBoys #SkateboardingLegend #BecomingABeginner #Intuition

In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Chip Conley, entrepreneur, author, and founder of MEA, opens up about the quiet disappointment many high achievers feel after they’ve “made it.”Through stories from building iconic companies, guiding Airbnb’s founders, and navigating midlife reckoning, Chip explores the success treadmill, and why chasing the next win so often leaves us unsatisfied. In this conversation, you’ll learn:- Why success can feel addictive but never fulfilling- The crucial difference between happiness and joy- How a simple gratitude practice can change how life feels day to day- What midlife teaches us about meaning, ego, and impactThoughtful, honest, and deeply human, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what actually matters.👉 Watch now and step off the success treadmill. Timestamps:01:00 Holiday plans and family time01:51 MEA Film Festival vision and growth04:28 Defining success and ambition06:30 Happiness vs. Joy10:03 Making gratitude intentional11:27 Realizing the success treadmill15:21 Ego shift at Airbnb16:32 Getting off the treadmill sooner16:50 Near death experience and perspective18:30 Service as gratitude practice19:40 Facing illness and loss21:33 This too shall pass21:49 Collective gratitude and closing Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#SuccessTreadmill #GratitudePractice #MidlifeWisdom #FindingMeaning #HappinessVsJoy #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeTransformation #RedefiningSuccess #LifePurpose #InnerFulfillment #ChipConley #MidlifeCrisis #SelfReflection #LifeLessons #MindfulLiving

What if the real risk in midlife isn’t change but staying comfortable?In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley sits down with Dr. Margie Warrell, global expert on courage and bestselling author of The Courage Gap, to explore why so many smart, capable people feel stuck and how to move forward with clarity and bravery. Drawing from her journey from a rural Australian farm to the world stage, Margie shares powerful insights on courage, reinvention, and choosing growth over safety. In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why comfort quietly keeps you stuck- The hidden “timidity tax” of playing it safe- The tension between belonging and becoming- Why courage is a decision, not a feeling- Simple ways to take braver action in midlife If you’re ready to stop circling what’s familiar and start stepping into what’s possible, this conversation is for you.🎧 Watch now and choose courage over comfort. Timestamps:00:05 Meet Margie Warrell01:08 Margie’s rural upbringing02:33 The horse story and learning courage05:00 Traveling the world after university06:33 Early adulthood and global moves08:47 Trauma, healing, and transformation09:51 Life now and current work11:05 Why courage is difficult13:26 Becoming versus belonging16:40 Regret and missed chances21:19 Courage as action, not feeling23:42 Closing the courage gap23:42 Reset your focus29:10 Challenge your certainty33:50 Take the chance36:13 Real-life courage breakthroughs39:05 Courage, anxiety, and connection42:34 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeCrisis #CourageOverComfort #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #MidlifeReinvention #LeadershipMindset #SelfDevelopment #EmotionalResilience #FindingPurpose #SecondHalfOfLife #FearAndGrowth #AuthenticLiving #WomenInLeadership #BraveLiving #TheCourageGap

Dating in midlife can feel strangely hard, even when you’ve done the work, built a full life, and know yourself better than ever. If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this still so complicated?” this episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with Rachel Greenwald, Harvard MBA and veteran matchmaker who has helped guide nearly 1,000 marriages. With warmth, humor, and deep insight, Rachel reframes dating not as luck but as a learnable skill, especially in midlife.Together, we explore:- Why the people who make us happiest don’t always match our dating checklists- How chemistry can fool us and what actually leads to lasting connection- The quiet dating rules that keep smart people single- Why love often shows up in unexpected packages- How modern couples are redefining partnership, including living apart togetherThis is a hopeful, practical conversation about dating with wisdom, curiosity, and openness, not fear or frustration. 👉 Listen or watch now and discover why midlife may be your most meaningful, and romantic, chapter yet. Timestamps:00:46 Meet matchmaker Rachel Greenwald03:36 From Harvard MBA to professional matchmaker04:03 A midlife pivot that changed everything07:29 The highs and lows of matchmaking09:44 What is keeping people single10:20 The most powerful question in dating13:11 Chemistry vs compatibility & happiness17:11 Why we repeat unfinished relationship patterns19:46 Why dating checklists can backfire22:39 Why men make up most matchmaking clients25:08 Why parents hire matchmakers for young adults28:03 Why midlife dating isn’t hopeless35:57 The three must-haves that really matter38:26 Living apart together and modern relationships44:51 Inside the Santa Fe dating workshop48:27 Wisdom bumper sticker53:11 Final takeaways on love and dating in midlife Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeDating #DatingAfter40 #DatingAfter50 #MidlifeRelationships #FindingLoveLaterInLife #DatingAdvice #ModernDating #RelationshipAdvice #DatingWisdom #MidlifeWomen #MidlifeMen #Matchmaking #LoveAfterDivorce #DatingOver40 #MidlifeChrysalis

Feeling stuck in midlife? You might be in your chrysalis, not a crisis.In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Chip Conley breaks down why midlife often feels confusing and heavy, and why that “messy middle” is actually the beginning of real transformation. Chip shares:• The three stages of every transition and where most people get stuck• What really happens inside the messy middle• Why men and women experience midlife so differently• How transitional intelligence (TQ) helps you move forward with clarity If you’re wondering whether something is wrong, or whether you’re simply evolving, this episode offers the reassurance and perspective you need.If you enjoyed this, follow the show, leave a rating, and join us next week for more Wisdom Wednesday insights. Timestamps:00:00 Film Festival & Holiday Mood01:55 Crisis vs Chrysalis and the Hollywood Myth05:15 The Three Stages of Transition07:07 Emotions in the Messy Middle09:33 Finding Your Through Line11:21 Ritualizing Endings13:16 How Men Experience Midlife15:40 How Women Experience Midlife15:53 Why Women Navigate Midlife Differently19:27 Identity, Purpose, and Feeling Stuck21:35 Chip’s Personal Midlife Story22:42 Why Men Resist This Work Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeChrysalis #MidlifeTransition #MidlifeCrisis #MessyMiddle #PersonalGrowthJourney #LifeTransitions #ChipConley #TransitionalIntelligence #MidlifeWisdom #SelfDiscovery #MidlifeWomen #MidlifeMen #EmotionalWellbeing #LifeReinvention #GrowthMindset

What if midlife became your chance to ROAR, not retire?In this powerful conversation, bestselling author and longevity visionary Michael Clinton shares why your 40s, 50s, and beyond are actually the most exciting and opportunity-filled decades of your life. From his rise to the top of Hearst Magazines to running marathons on seven continents and earning a new degree at 67, Michael reveals how reinvention is not only possible, it’s essential. He breaks down the ROAR framework for reimagining your future, explains why “life layering” is the antidote to midlife crisis, and dives into the emerging world of longevity science, age-positive culture, and purpose-driven living. If you’ve ever wondered what’s next, or what’s possible, this episode shows you how to build a richer, more meaningful second half of life. Watch now and start reimagining what your future can be. Timestamps:00:00 Michael’s Santa Fe moment01:31 Early life, father’s influence, love of words05:27 A career in publishing08:02 Midlife awakening at 3910:50 Climbing Kilimanjaro and building an adventurous life12:32 Returning to school at 6715:56 The ROAR framework begins20:00 Ageism, language shifts, modern role models25:13 Life layering and building new identities27:45 Preparing for post-career life29:01 Reinvention stories and reimagineers30:51 Relationships, editing your circle, and support systems35:25 Growth mindset and lifelong curiosity37:33 Longevity insights and the next book39:18 Why longevity is having a cultural moment44:01 Why the US is falling behind on lifespan45:22 Rethinking work, age diversity, and longer careers49:56 Longevity clinics and new health models52:57 Longevity travel and residential communities54:35 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeReinvention #Longevity #PurposeAfter50 #ReimaginingAging #LifeLayering #ROARMethod #SecondHalfOfLife #HealthyAging #MidlifeAwakening #RewireNotRetire #AgingWell #LiveLongerBetter #MidlifeTransformation #ModernAging #LifelongLearning

Ever wondered why some people get stronger, wiser, and more grounded with age?In this powerful conversation, Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece reveal why midlife is actually the most dynamic, resilient, and liberating season of life. They open up about growing up on islands, how they met, what keeps their partnership strong, and why presence, patience, and community matter more than ever. From breathwork and injury recovery to identity shifts, parenting, and purpose, they share the hard-earned wisdom that helps them stay grounded, strong, and deeply connected.If you’re ready to see midlife as a chrysalis, not a crisis, this episode is for you. Watch now. Timestamps:00:00 Welcome00:09 Childhood and Island Upbringing05:06 How Gabby and Laird Met09:24 Navigating Two Athletic Careers14:26 Relationship with Your Aging Body21:46 Breathwork and Training Philosophy26:04 Books and Science Behind Breathwork29:42 Midlife Crisis vs Midlife Chrysalis37:59 What Gets Better With Age41:51 Relationship With Risk and Mortality45:36 Presence and Stillness51:47 Wisdom Bumper Sticker54:17 Closing Remarks Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#LairdHamilton #GabbyReece #MidlifeWisdom #MidlifeChrysalis #HealthyAging #LongevityLifestyle #BreathworkTraining #MindBodyHealth #MidlifeTransformation #AgingWell #PeakPerformance #AthleteMindset #MidlifeGrowth #ModernElder #ChipConley

What if the secret to living longer isn’t in your genes… but in your mindset?In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Chip Conley reveals the surprising research showing how a simple shift in how we think about aging can add years—yes, actual years—to our lives. From Becca Levy’s longevity findings to Carol Dweck’s growth-mindset principles, Chip breaks down why curiosity, openness, and lifelong learning may be the real fountain of youth. You’ll learn why “I’m too old to…” is one of the most dangerous beliefs we carry, how anticipated regret can propel us into action, and why midlife is actually one of the most powerful stages for reinvention.If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible in your next chapter, this episode will change how you see aging forever.Tune in now and start shaping the mindset that shapes your life. Timestamps:00:00 Canadian spelling banter02:56 Shifting mindset on aging05:59 Anticipated regret as motivation07:50 Lifelong learning and curiosity10:09 What gets better with age11:21 You’re not “too old” for anything14:18 Mindset as invisible life framework15:40 Weekly mindset assignment and closing remarksWhich of the 12 Reasons Most or Least Resonates With You? https://chipconley.com/reasons-quiz/ Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#wisdomwednesday #midlifegrowth #agingmindset #growthmindset #proaging #lifelonglearning #longevitymindset #chipconley #meaprogram #mindsetshift #curiosityasapower #midlifetransitions #positiveaging #mindsetmatters #livebetterlonger

What if everything you’ve believed about midlife is completely outdated?In this powerful conversation, Marianne Williamson sheds light on the truth about aging, visibility, and what it truly means to enter the second half of life with purpose. She shares raw reflections on menopause, identity shifts, modern rites of passage, and why midlife is less a crisis and more a spiritual turning point. Marianne also speaks about wisdom, reinvention, societal expectations, and how embracing your “third chapter” can unlock a deeper, more courageous version of yourself.If you’re ready to rethink aging and step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence, watch the full episode now. Timestamps:00:00 Midlife awakening as unmapped territory01:16 Aging, visibility, and grief for past identities04:30 Rites of passage and communal transitions08:13 Policy, culture shift, and public support11:49 Government support for wisdom schools13:06 Reflections on running for president18:34 Midlife crisis vs chrysalis19:14 Phase transition of society21:31 Pattern recognition, memory, and wisdom24:40 Teaching wisdom to younger generations27:45 Family patterns, shadows, and generational conditioning34:43 “Our deepest fear” and women’s empowerment38:59 Cellular memory of witch burning41:38 Sisterhood, bravery, and supporting each other43:56 Re-inspiring midlife and visibility as women age47:00 Presence, faith, and receiving life’s lessons49:16 Chapter three as a crescendo50:52 Midlife as a call to the soul52:04 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#midlifeawakening #midlifecrisis #midlifewomen #agingwell #spiritualgrowth #womenswisdom #reinvention #mariannewilliamson #midlifetransformation #menopausejourney #mindfulnesspractice #lifepurpose #selfreinvention #modernelder #innerwisdom

What if living to 100 is more realistic than you think?Longevity expert Dan Buettner breaks down the real habits behind the world’s longest-living people, from food and movement to purpose, community, and stress relief. He explains why Americans age faster, what actually adds years to your life, and how simple daily choices can transform your future health.A simple, science-backed path to your best chapter yet. Watch now. Timestamps:01:25 What society gets wrong about aging04:05 Dan’s early life and big expeditions06:33 Why anti-aging shortcuts don’t work09:10 Proven habits for longevity15:42 The alcohol debate and new research18:56 Benefits of drinking moderately21:29 Why 65 isn’t “old” anymore25:02 What the US gets wrong about health28:51 Processed food, inactivity, and social media30:52 Blue Zones work in US cities35:13 What’s happening in original Blue Zones37:40 New insights for Dan’s next book39:59 Dan’s divorce and midlife chrysalis42:31 How Blue Zones became a concept46:17 What Dan would regret not doing48:45 Dan’s experience at MEA51:07 Netflix series and frozen meals success51:58 Wisdom bumper-sticker55:19 The role of humility and aging55:59 The need for a rite of passage at 5056:19 Why midlife can be the best stage of life Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#BlueZones #Longevity #DanBuettner #HealthyAging #LiveLonger #HealthSpan #MidlifeChrysalis #AgingWell #LongevitySecrets #LiveTo100 #HealthyLiving #PurposefulLiving #HolisticHealth #LifestyleMedicine #Wellbeing

What if midlife is actually the start of your happiest years?In this episode, Chip Conley and Derek Gehl break down why life often gets better after 50, from rising emotional intelligence and deeper wisdom to feeling more like your true self. Chip explains why “growing whole” matters more than “staying young,” how Carl Jung’s insights can reshape your mindset, and why a pro-aging outlook can change your health, relationships, and purpose.If you want a fresh, hopeful take on midlife, don’t miss this conversation. Watch now.Tune in, and take the quiz! 👇 https://chipconley.com/reasons-quiz/"The Midlife Checkup Quiz" Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday03:12 Beauty of Santa Fe winters03:15 Introducing Chip’s book04:32 Growing whole as we grow older06:31 Integrating all parts of ourselves07:46 Stories about aging from Chip’s parents09:18 Why Chip founded MEA11:20 Midlife Checkup Quiz12:07 Time affluence and midlife14:29 Creating a pro-aging friend group16:34 Closing thoughts Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/Which of the 12 Reasons Most or Least Resonates With You?https://chipconley.com/reasons-quiz/ #MidlifeWisdom #ProAging #AgingWell #MidlifeGrowth #UCurveOfHappiness #EmotionalIntelligence #LifeAfter50 #MidlifeTransformation #HealthyAging #ChipConley #MidlifeMindset #PersonalGrowthJourney #WisdomWednesday #IdentityGrowth #MEACommunity

What happens when Don Lemon gets truly unfiltered?In this heartfelt, funny, and deeply honest conversation, Don opens up about aging with confidence, coming out in midlife, letting go of old shame, and the freedom that comes from no longer needing anyone’s approval. We talk about identity, love, sex, wisdom, and why his mantra “old people be knowing” captures the real gift of growing older.Don also reflects on the state of media, the “prime” controversy, and how stepping away from traditional news helped him reclaim his voice and his joy. If you’re ready for truth, evolution, and a warm reminder that life after 50 can get better, tune in. Watch now. Timestamps:00:00 Chip’s episode opening00:57 Don on aging and happiness02:34 Don’s childhood and early years03:38 Politics, Reagan, and identity06:52 Dating while closeted09:52 College years and social life12:17 First gay bar experiences16:20 Don’s coming-out story19:47 Coming out publically in a book21:41 Midlife chrysalis and confidence25:10 What gets better with age28:28 The “prime” controversy explained34:07 State of media and independence36:30 Politics, division, and future outlook37:26 Don on never retiring38:49 Possible regret 10 years from now40:24 Don’s wisdom bumper sticker43:543 Judy Garland and music icons46:50 Chip’s reflections Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ Keywords:#DonLemon #midlife #agingwell #lifeafter50 #midlifefreedom #midliferenaissance #comingoutstory #lgbtqstories #authenticitymatters #selfacceptance #personaltransformation #midlifewisdom #findingyourvoice #reinventyourlife #unfilteredconversation

Grief isn’t just an emotion, it’s energy that lives in the body until we face it.I sit down with Meghan Jarvis, a trauma therapist and grief mentor who’s helped countless people find their way through loss. Meghan shares her own story of heartbreak, how grief and trauma intertwine, and the six simple practices she teaches to move that heavy energy through the body and back toward healing. We also talk about midlife transitions, why so many of us feel stuck, and how community can bring us back to life.👉 Tune in for a real, hopeful conversation about what it truly means to grieve, heal, and grow. Timestamps:00:00 Childhood loss that led her to grief work02:13 Uncovering long-buried trauma06:02 What trauma teaches about safety and fear09:29 Grief as energy moving through the body11:07 How stored grief affects physical health13:02 Losing her parents and lessons learned17:29 Checking into treatment and finding purpose19:32 The vagus nerve and how the body heals22:19 Midlife transitions and hidden grief24:18 Helping clients rewrite their stories26:12 The six pillars of the Grief Mentor Method31:11 Mindfulness, nourishment, and rituals for healing39:13 Why midlife brings old losses back42:21 Signs of unresolved grief43:55 Finding meaning and joy after healing47:43 MEA as a space for renewal51:44 Meghan’s wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeHealing #GriefJourney #EmotionalHealing #MeghanJarvis #LifeTransitions #MidlifeGrowth #HealingAfterLoss #MindBodyConnection #GriefSupport #TraumaRecovery #FindingPurpose #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeAwakening #MentalHealthAwareness #ChipConley

What if everything you’ve believed about aging and retirement is wrong?In this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Chip and Derek dive into the surprising truth about aging. Why retirement often makes us less healthy, how community and purpose keep us alive longer, and why our “crystallized intelligence” actually gets stronger well into our 60s and 70s. They explore the real ingredients of a meaningful midlife, the magic of third-vault conversations, and the stories of people who’ve traded old scripts for more inspired lives.If you’re ready to feel hopeful, energized, and a little more excited about the years ahead, watch the full episode. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:34 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays01:43 The origins of age 65 retirement02:59 How retirement affects lifespan04:08 Fluid intelligence vs crystallized intelligence06:01 What people need the most after 5008:27 Chip’s own “mini retirement”10:07 Rethinking the three-stage life11:58 The litigator who became a baker14:11 Keeping your options open16:15 Changing habits by changing habitat17:16 The concept of the third vault20:12 Deeper conversations with aging20:56 Episode wrap-up and closing remarks Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#midlifechrysalis #agingwell #longevitymindset #midlifetransformation #purposeafter50 #crystallizedintelligence #rethinkingretirement #healthyaging #midlifewisdom #lifepurpose #aginggracefully #lifestages #livingto100 #midlifecommunity #wisdomwednesdays

Ever wonder if slowing down might actually wake you up? In this episode, I sit down with Susan Cain, the bestselling author of Quiet and Bittersweet, to talk about the hidden strengths of introverts, the surprising beauty in melancholy, and why midlife can be the most creative and peaceful chapter of your life. We dig into what it really means to live with depth, authenticity, and joy, without the noise.✨ Hit play and join us for a quiet conversation that might just change how you see yourself. Timestamps:00:18 The Quiet Life Community01:23 Susan’s early career as a corporate lawyer02:18 Realizing law wasn’t her path03:25 The success of Quiet and its life-changing impact06:09 Defining introversion and extroversion09:43 Chip’s story: from introvert to social alchemist11:35 Why people grow more introverted with age13:24 Reputational confusion and being open17:56 What is “Worktrovert”20:17 Deeper happiness through the bittersweetness23:05 Daily practices to balance beauty and melancholy25:44 The power of remembering mortality27:45 Chip’s near-death experience and slowing down30:31 Slowing life down in midlife and releasing ambition33:01 Leaving law and embracing a quiet, creative life38:31 How awareness of death deepens appreciation for life40:53 What Susan’s working on now43:07 Liz Gilbert’s TED Talk and creative pressure45:50 Susan’s advice for aspiring writers49:41 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#SusanCain #ChipConley #MidlifeChrysalis #QuietLife #Introversion #Bittersweet #SelfDiscovery #MidlifeTransformation #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #QuietPower #LifeTransitions #MindfulLiving #AuthenticLife #CreativityAndCalm

What happens when two New York City professionals lose their jobs, move to a tiny rural town, and accidentally build one of America’s most beloved skincare brands?Brent and Josh of Beekman 1802 reveal how kindness, community, and old-fashioned wisdom became the backbone of their business and their midlife reinvention. They share how loving your neighbor can be a real strategy, why contentment matters more than achievement, the 51% rule that keeps their partnership strong, and how better aging starts with simple kindness to yourself and others, all delivered with warmth, wisdom, and humor.👉 If you’re ready for a kinder, clearer way to think about midlife, just press play. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:59 Meet Brent & Josh of Beekman 180202:47 How Brent & Josh met04:18 Brent’s upbringing & coming out journey06:01 Becoming goat farmers & starting Beekman 180207:19 How the brand got its name09:09 Turning a recession into a business opportunity10:35 Growing from homemade soap to a global brand12:54 The idea behind Goat Wisdom book16:33 Their favorite principles20:46 Community, kindness & homophobia25:38 Brent’s family and true Christian acceptance28:41 Being partners in love and business29:56 The 51% Rule for decision-making32:06 Radical transparency as kindness34:37 Personal midlife philosophies38:42 What they’d regret in 10 years40:36 Redefining success as contentment41:55 “Better aging,” social connection & kindness45:16 Farm wisdom for life48:56 Wisdom bumper stickers52:12 Chip’s closing reflections Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeTransformation #GoatWisdom #Beekman1802 #ChipConley #MidlifeChrysalis #BetterAging #KindnessCulture #EntrepreneurJourney #LifeReinvention #ContentmentOverAchievement #LGBTQEntrepreneurs #ModernElders #AgingWisdom #MidlifeReinvention #SmallTownStories

In the very first episode of Wisdom Wednesdays, Chip Conley and Derek Gehl sit down for a thoughtful, honest conversation about what wisdom really means in midlife. Chip shares the down-to-earth definition that guides his life and talks about the small, consistent practices that help him turn everyday experiences into something meaningful.If you’re ready for conversations that spark growth, clarity, and courage…▶️ Start with Episode 1 and begin your wisdom journey with us. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:22 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays01:37 What is wisdom and why it matters02:55 Life lessons as raw material03:32 Mindfully sharing wisdom05:28 Can wisdom be cultivated08:06 The problem with AI wisdom08:51 The chef metaphor10:52 Wisdom during cancer treatment12:51 Chip’s wisdom bumper sticker14:12 How to start your wisdom practice15:54 Final reflection Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#WisdomWednesdays #ChipConley #MidlifeChrysalis #MidlifeWisdom #PersonalGrowthJourney #ModernElder #LifeLessons #MidlifeTransformation #EmotionalWellbeing #MindfulLiving #SelfAwareness #MidlifePurpose #JournalingPractice #InnerGrowth #ThrivingInMidlife

Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s your greatest awakening.In this inspiring episode, gerontologist and coach Barbara Waxman redefines aging through the lens of “Middleessence,” a stage of growth, purpose, and renewal. She reveals how to reclaim energy with her Energy Audit, why mindset matters more than genetics for longevity, and how lifestyle medicine helps you live undiminished at every age.✨ Learn how to flourish, not fade, in your next chapter.▶️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts. Timestamps:00:00 Meet gerontologist Barbara Waxman00:28 How she became a gerontologist02:56 What is “middle essence”07:18 Adolescence vs. middle essence13:37 Why happiness rises after 5016:42 Debunking the midlife crisis myth18:53 Redefining legacy and purpose20:19 Barbara’s own midlife awakening23:03 What is the Energy Audit24:36 What lifestyle medicine really means28:55 The 7 lifestyle levers for thriving30:42 Mindset’s power in longevity32:41 Mindset studies that changed lives35:18 Well-being burnout explained36:23 Self-care vs. self-indulgence38:10 Solitude, introverts, and renewal40:09 Unlocking longevity and the third span45:46 Living undiminished and flourishing46:49 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeChrysalis #BarbaraWaxman #MidlifeTransformation #MiddleEssence #LongevityMindset #HealthyAging #LifestyleMedicine #WomenOver40 #LifeTransitions #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #AgingWell #HumanFlourishing #EnergyAudit #PurposefulLiving

What if aging isn’t about decline, but about becoming more alive than ever?The bestselling author and spiritual teacher Mark Nepo opens up about how surviving cancer reshaped his entire understanding of life, creativity, and purpose. He reveals the wisdom behind The Fifth Season, a time in life when the inner world begins to shine brighter than the outer one, and shares how to live and create with authenticity in midlife and beyond.Mark’s reflections will move you, ground you, and remind you what it truly means to be present, wholehearted, and free.🎧 Watch now and rediscover how beauty, suffering, and friendship all become part of life’s greatest art: your own becoming. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:23 The Fifth Season: Creativity in midlife04:10 What the “Fifth Season” really means05:28 How cancer changed Mark’s life09:58 Facing death and finding purpose12:00 What cancer taught him about life13:18 Chip’s own cancer story17:10 Realizing he was a poet22:14 How Oprah discovered his book24:47 Success, humility, and staying grounded29:59 Mark’s Pirouettes poem34:32 Creativity as a spiritual act42:17 Aging and letting go of old identities43:26 The tea ceremony and making lists46:30 The poetry of friendship51:14 Teaching at MEA55:12 Free Fall poem56:03 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MarkNepo #TheBookOfAwakening #TheFifthSeason #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #MidlifeWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #MidlifeCreativity #PersonalTransformation #CancerSurvivor #MindfulnessJourney #AgingGracefully #PurposeInMidlife #SpiritualAwakening #PoetryOfLife #OprahBookClub #SoulWork #LivingFully #EmotionalHealing #AuthenticLiving

🔥 One night on air changed everything for Tamsen Fadal.She was at the top of her game as a TV anchor when she suddenly started forgetting words and sweating through live broadcasts, without realizing she was entering menopause. That moment became the turning point that led her from journalism to advocacy. In this conversation, Tamsen shares how she turned confusion into purpose, launching The M Factor documentary and her book How to Menopause.✨ Join us as we talk about redefining midlife, breaking the silence, and helping women everywhere navigate this powerful new chapter. Timestamps:00:43 Early Life and Losing Her Mother02:44 Lessons from Her Mother and Family Values04:06 Breaking Into TV News and Facing Stereotypes07:11 Sexism and Ageism in the Media Industry09:12 Defining Her On-Air Brand and Early Career Years11:46 Moving to New York and Personal Life Changes15:36 Advice to Her 40-Year-Old Self17:01 Health Issues, Misdiagnosis, and Menopause23:28 TikTok & Creating Awareness25:29 Street Interviews, Documentary, and The Book30:28 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause34:16 Hormone Therapy and Medical Education Gaps36:35 Finding Certified Menopause Practitioners38:48 How Men and Coworkers Can Be Supportive41:25 Reframing Midlife and the “Bolden Years”44:37 Purpose, Creativity, and Daily Motivation46:28 Redefining Retirement and Lifelong Energy48:22 Wisdom Bumper Sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MenopauseAwareness, #Perimenopause, #MidlifeEmpowerment, #WomensHealth, #MenopauseSupport, #MenopauseEducation, #TamsenFadal, #ChipConley, #HowToMenopause, #TheMFactor, #MidlifeCrisisMyth, #BoldenYears, #HormoneTherapy, #MenopauseAdvocate, #MidlifeReinvention

What if awe was the secret ingredient to happiness? 🌿 In this episode, I sit down with UC Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner to explore how awe, compassion, and moral beauty can transform the way we live and age. We dive into the science of wonder — from the power of collective joy to how simple “awe walks” can boost your health, purpose, and connection.✨ Join us as we uncover why we’re truly born to be good and how awe might just be the key to midlife renewal.🎧 Tune in for the full conversation and get inspired to see life with fresh eyes. Timestamps:00:00 Chip welcomes Dacher and reflects on their friendship00:18 Why people smile when they talk about Dacher01:06 How early experiences shaped his empathy03:32 Journey into psychology and emotion science06:42 Discovering emotion in the human face07:31 Writing Born to Be Good and redefining human nature09:42 Science of compassion, gratitude, and kindness13:15 How the study of awe began14:17 What awe is and how it feels18:24 Collecting awe stories from around the world20:33 The eight wonders of awe21:00 Collective effervescence and shared joy23:44 Synchronizing with others through movement and emotion25:01 How screens disrupt human connection27:00 Moral beauty and the power of witnessing goodness31:32 Moral beauty within community and everyday life32:39 Awe and moral beauty in midlife36:33 The Awe Walk study and its health benefits39:47 Finding awe in daily moments41:25 Inside Dacher’s “Cultivating Awe” workshop43:51 Practicing awe through grief and gratitude45:09 Wisdom bumper sticker: seeing hidden beauty in people47:35 Love (agape) as the essence of awe49:10 Closing reflections and gratitude Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#awe #DacherKeltner #ChipConley #MidlifeChrysalis #CultivatingAwe #BornToBeGood #MoralBeauty #CollectiveEffervescence #ScienceOfAwe #HumanConnection #Mindfulness #EmotionalIntelligence #MidlifeWisdom #GratitudePractice #FindingPurpose

What happens when one of the NFL’s most celebrated athletes walks away from fame, fortune, and the life everyone else wanted for him? In this powerful episode, Ricky Williams, now known as Errick Miron, opens up about his transformation from Heisman Trophy winner to healer, teacher, and astrologer. He shares how depression, self-discovery, and spirituality reshaped his identity and helped him find peace beyond the game.If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to let go and start over, this conversation will change the way you think about success, purpose, and freedom.🎧 Listen now and discover how Ricky Williams became Errick Miron and found his true self. Timestamps:00:42 Early Ambitions and Upbringing02:19 Choosing the University of Texas04:54 College Glory and the Heisman Dream07:37 NFL Reality Check10:00 Mental Health and Identity Crisis15:00 Discovering New Passions16:14 Leaving the NFL & Coming Back19:47 Journey to Australia and Discovering Ayurveda22:32 First Encounter with Astrology24:26 Return to Football with New Purpose26:31 Preparing for Life After Sports29:02 Retirement & Going Back to Astrology38:41 Evolutionary Astrology Explained42:46 Meeting His Wife & Becoming Errick Miron47:21 Redefining Masculinity49:42 Upcoming Workshop: Evolving Identity52:16 Wisdom Bumper Sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#RickyWilliams #ErrickMiron #MidlifeChrysalis #EvolvingIdentity #NFLtoAstrology #MentalHealthJourney #SpiritualAwakening #HealingJourney #AthleteTransformation #AstrologyForGrowth #LifeAfterSports #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #MasculineHealing #MindfulnessInMidlife

What if the path to a meaningful life had nothing to do with fame or success and everything to do with service and soul?In this captivating conversation, Rainn Wilson opens up about his transformation from Hollywood ego to spiritual seeker, sharing how faith, meditation, and humility helped him rediscover purpose beyond the spotlight. Together with Chip Conley, he explores why midlife can be a sacred turning point when the soul finally takes the lead.👉 Watch now to learn how Rainn’s journey can help you reconnect with your own soul. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:55 What Is a Soul?05:52 Chip‘s Definition of Soul08:18 Humans on a Spiritual Journey09:32 Growing Up Baha’i13:58 The 1960s Spiritual Revolution17:31 Hollywood, Faith & the Dark Night of the Soul21:01 Becoming Dwight Schrute22:50 Famous in Midlife29:01 The Ego and Hollywood31:38 Letting the Soul Lead34:08 Devotion & Daily Practice40:03 The Soul Boom Workbook42:24 How the Workbook Came to Be44:41 Wisdom Bumper Sticker49:24 Chip’s Reflections and Takeaways Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#RainnWilson #SoulBoom #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #SpiritualRevolution #Bahaifaith #SoulJourney #ModernSpirituality #EgoAndSoul #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness #ServiceAndPurpose #ConsciousLiving #SpiritualAwakening

What if the worst thing that ever happened to you became the very thing that set you free? 🌱 In this deeply moving episode, Dr. BJ Miller—physician, amputee, and palliative care visionary—shares how a near-fatal accident in college transformed his understanding of life, loss, and what it really means to live fully. From his journey through unimaginable pain to founding Mettle Health, BJ reveals how facing mortality can open the door to compassion, creativity, and peace.If you’ve ever feared aging, grief, or change, this conversation will completely shift your perspective.👉 Watch now and discover how to turn life’s hardest moments into your greatest teachers. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:36 The Accident That Changed Everything04:17 Processing Grief and Feeling “Seen”09:27 Rebuilding Life in His 20s14:46 From Art History to Medicine16:24 Discovering Palliative Care20:27 What Palliative Care Really Means24:26 Spiritual Dimensions of Caregiving27:16 What We Get Wrong About Death29:42 Making All Healthcare Palliative32:44 Founding Mettle Health36:56 Advice for Caregivers41:25 The Power of Grief43:50 BJ’s Midlife Chrysalis47:49 What People Regret Most Before Death51:48 Dying as a Creative Act55:25 Wisdom Bumper StickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#BJMIller #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #EndOfLifeCare #PalliativeCare #HospiceCare #GriefAndHealing #MidlifeWisdom #CaregivingJourney #FindingMeaning #LifeAndDeath #SpiritualGrowth #EmotionalResilience #MindfulLiving #AuthenticLife

Ever wondered what it really means to start over when the world thinks you’ve peaked? In this episode, Daniel Pink, bestselling author of Drive and The Power of Regret, reveals why midlife isn’t a crisis but a creative turning point. He talks about becoming a beginner again after 50, how regret can guide us toward what truly matters, and why lasting motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose, not paychecks.👉 Watch now to learn how to reinvent yourself with clarity, courage, and curiosity. Timestamps:01:15 Early Career & Al Gore Years04:12 Leaving Politics for Book Writing07:05 The Book “Drive” & Science of Motivation11:10 Leadership & Purpose Within Organizations14:13 Living an Average Mid-40s Reality17:08 The Midlife Chrysalis & Year-Long Sabbatical22:04 Writing for The Washington Post25:58 Becoming a Rookie at 5030:00 The Science of Timing32:03 Evaluating Autonomy, Mastery & Purpose34:21 How He Wrote “The Power of Regret”37:42 The Wisdom in Regret39:24 Anticipated Regret in Action42:34 On Retirement & Regeneration46:16 The Idea of Gap Year at 5049:38 Regenerative vs. Retirement Communities51:49 Upsides & Downsides of Aging55:20 Dan’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#DanielPink #ChipConley #ModernElderAcademy #MidlifeChrysalis #ThePowerOfRegret #DriveBook #AutonomyMasteryPurpose #MotivationScience #MidlifeReinvention #CareerReinvention #FindingPurpose #AgingWithPurpose #LifelongLearning #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift

What happens when the person you love most slowly begins to disappear before your eyes? In this deeply emotional and inspiring conversation, Emma Heming Willis opens up about life with Bruce Willis following his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and how she turned heartbreak into purpose. Joined by Helen Christoni, co-founder of Make Time Wellness, the two reveal why women’s brain health is so often ignored, what every caregiver needs to hear, and how to rediscover joy even in the hardest seasons of life.👉 Watch now and learn how making time for yourself might just be the most powerful act of care there is. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:54 How Helen and Emma created Make Time Wellness04:47 Hormones, estrogen loss, and dementia risk06:03 Helen’s personal connection to dementia08:04 Starting Make Time as Bruce’s symptoms appeared08:51 How Emma met Bruce Willis and first signs of FTD12:05 Understanding anosognosia and early dementia signs15:29 The meaning of ambiguous loss for caregivers18:45 Practical tools and exercises for caregivers20:37 Redefining self-care and “making time”21:20 How others can help caregivers in real ways24:09 The caregiving crisis and policy change needed28:43 Gender roles and men’s perspective on caregiving31:00 Make Time Wellness mission and products34:49 Bruce Willis’s current condition and progression38:20 How their daughters are coping and family life39:24 Emma’s and Helen’s advice for caregivers40:57 Wisdom bumper sticker44:57 Closing reflections and gratitude Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#EmmaHemingWillis #HelenChristoni #MidlifeCaregiving #WomensBrainHealth #CaregiverSupport #FrontotemporalDementia #DementiaAwareness #MakeTimeWellness #MidlifeResilience #SelfCareReimagined #MidlifeWisdom #WomenSupportingWomen #CaregivingJourney #FindingJoyAgain #ModernElderAcademy

What if everything you’ve been taught about happiness and success is upside down?In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley talks with Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor, bestselling author, and former French horn prodigy, about his remarkable journey from the concert stage to the world of behavioral science. Together, they unpack why strivers burn out, how our brains shift from fluid to crystallized intelligence, and the simple formula that can turn midlife from a crisis into a transformation.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Listen now and start rethinking your own second curve. Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:06 Arthur Brooks’ origins and family background02:59 Religious upbringing and conversion to Catholicism04:56 Navigating academia and faith in secular environments07:08 Early music training and struggles to become the best13:06 Striver mentality and American entrepreneurship DNA16:41 Leaving music for economics and behavioral science20:52 Imposter syndrome and skills learned from performance22:33 Becoming CEO of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)29:05 Burnout, midlife shift, and vital plane encounter 32:19 Plane encounter with a famous figure and reflection on decline35:47 Realizing the need for a second curve38:10 How we move from fluid to crystallized intelligence42:43 Airbnb and the role of “modern elder” wisdom45:02 Advice for shifting into careers built on crystallized intelligence46:56 The danger of pride and Dante’s frozen Satan metaphor49:40 Learning to want less: the secret to second-curve happiness54:39 Editing life instead of accumulating - reverse bucket lists55:55 Generativity, religion, and aging with meaning57:16 Policy thoughts on midlife education and wisdom schools1:01:59 Wisdom bumper sticker1:05:28 Closing reflections from Chip Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

What happens when a world-famous photographer nearly loses everything — and turns it into a movement redefining aging?In this powerful conversation, David Stewart shares his journey from shooting Vogue covers and working with Andy Warhol’s circle, to battling a life-threatening autoimmune disease that forced him to rethink everything. Out of crisis came transformation — and the creation of Ageist and Super Age, two platforms challenging stereotypes about aging and proving that purpose, health, and vitality don’t fade with time.Watch now to discover how to stay healthier, live longer, and embrace your true greatness.Timestamps:00:00 Catching up: Manhattan, travel, and life during Covid01:36 Childhood, school struggles, and proving people wrong04:07 Studying engineering, switching to political science, and discovering photography06:14 Declaring himself a photographer, early Vogue ad, and move to Paris07:01 Life in New York: Andy Warhol’s scene, magazine covers, and big clients08:02 Health crisis, autoimmune disease, and a year in hospital10:00 Turning point: removing his spleen and changing lifestyle11:01 The birth of Ageist: challenging age stereotypes in media and advertising14:50 White-light moment with AT&T campaign and marketing blind spots18:50 Age dysmorphia, beauty industry challenges, and why older audiences are complex21:27 From Ageist to Super Age: growth, readership, and global impact25:27 Health transformation and connecting mindset with the body30:00 Teaching moments: embodied wisdom, confidence, and breaking limits33:55 What Super Age does: informing, inspiring, and offering trusted tools35:10 Longevity pillars: sleep, fitness, stress management, and community37:31 Why grip strength and VO₂ max matter for longevity41:42 Smart habits vs. fads: avoiding “dumb stuff” and focusing on basics44:39 Managing stress, hormetic adaptation, and resilience45:00 Why men chase longevity more than women46:04 Thoughts on Brian Johnson and longevity biohacking47:50 The future of health: AI-driven personalized medicine51:28 Wearables: when they help vs. when they hurt53:12 Passing wisdom to the next generation: embracing greatness and usefulness56:15 Final reflections: passion, usefulness, and living as a contenderLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#Longevity #HealthyAging #RedefiningAging #SuperAge #Ageist #MidlifeReinvention #MindsetMatters #AgingWell #LifeAfterCrisis #HealthTransformation #Vitality #BreakingAgingStereotypes #AgingStrong #LongevityLifestyle #AgelessLiving

What happens when a bestselling writer and a former corporate executive dive deep into life’s second half?In this powerful conversation, Anne Lamott and Neal Allen share raw, funny, and moving stories about midlife transformation, spiritual awakening, recovery, and how to finally silence that relentless inner critic. From faith and writing to intimacy, aging, and finding purpose, their wisdom will leave you inspired — and maybe even rethinking your own path.👉 Don’t miss this chance to hear life-changing insights from two voices who know the journey inside out. Watch now and discover how midlife can become your most powerful chapter yet.Timestamps:00:00 From Corporate Life to Spiritual Coaching06:08 Annie’s Christian Spirituality08:19 Annie’s Childhood, Religion & Humor12:46 Embracing Christianity in a Ghetto Church14:40 Annie’s Left-Wing Christianity Views17:23 Anne’s Washington Post Columns on Aging21:04 Imposter Syndrome & Life After 5024:50 The Value of Intimacy & Deeper Connection28:51 Taming the Inner Critic Workshop33:46 Wisdom Bumper StickersLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#AnneLamott #NealAllen #MidlifeChrysalis #SpiritualGrowth #LifeAfter50 #InnerCritic #WritingCommunity #RecoveryJourney #ChristianSpirituality #PersonalTransformation #MindfulnessPractice #AgingWisdom #SpiritualCoaching #SelfAwarenessJourney #FaithAndHealing

What if the most painful disruptions in life—illness, job loss, divorce, or even an empty nest, were actually the keys to growth?Bestselling author Bruce Feiler shares how “life quakes” shake up our stories and push us to rewrite them. From his own battle with cancer and family upheaval to studying hundreds of life transitions, Bruce reveals why resilience is a skill, not a trait, and how rituals, creativity, and storytelling can turn crisis into renewal. Dive into his powerful seven tools for navigating transitions, learn why the myth of the midlife crisis is outdated, and how to finally become the hero of your own story.✨ Tune in to discover how to transform life’s hardest moments into your greatest turning points.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:40 Introduction to Bruce Feiler02:24 Background, early life & first book07:09 Life quakes and losing control of your story12:15 Knowing when a transition is complete18:11 The three stages of transition24:40 Seven tools for navigating transitions30:31 Acceptance and rituals to mark change35:18 The ritual renaissance & new book preview41:28 Routine vs. ritual explained45:09 Shedding habits & finding creativity49:19 Updating your story & unveiling your new self51:19 The debate: midlife vs. transitions at all ages58:51 Wisdom bumper sticker01:04:22 Closing reflections & gratitudeLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#BruceFeiler #LifeQuakes #MidlifeTransitions #ReinventYourself #LifeIsInTheTransitions, #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingCrisis #FindingMeaning #ResilienceInMidlife #RewriteYourStory #RitualsAndRenewal #MidlifeReinvention #SelfDiscoveryJourney #ThrivingThroughChange #BeTheHeroOfYourStory

How do you survive when the person you can’t live without begins to destroy you?In this powerful episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Elizabeth Gilbert joins Chip Conley to share the raw story behind her new memoir, All the Way to the River. She opens up about walking alongside her partner through addiction and relapse, confronting her own patterns of codependency, and finding healing through recovery and surrender. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at love, loss, and what it really takes to stand on your own two feet.Tune in now to hear Elizabeth Gilbert as you’ve never heard her before. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:40 Introduction to Elizabeth Gilbert03:06 All the Way to the River book06:06 Why it took 7 years to write07:21 A forensic look at repeating patterns10:36 Love vs. addiction in relationships13:49 How Liz met Raya & their evolving bond19:55 Confessing love during Raya’s illness25:31 Grief, loss, and missing her friend27:18 Writing in solitude & surrendering to truth35:00 Surrender, recovery, and true powerlessness41:21 Dark thoughts & God’s voice45:15 What sex & love addiction means for Liz51:36 12-step practices & six years of abstinence54:35 Reflections on MEA and retreat power58:22 Wisdom bumper stickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeChrysalis #ElizabethGilbert #AllTheWayToTheRiver #GriefJourney #AddictionRecovery #LoveAndLoss #Codependency #HealingFromTrauma #12StepRecovery #SexAndLoveAddiction #SpiritualGrowth #MemoirWriting #MidlifeWisdom #EmotionalSobriety #LifeLessons

What happens when one of America’s most celebrated pastors dares to question everything?In this unfiltered conversation, Rob Bell, once dubbed the “punk rock pastor” and author of the explosive bestseller Love Wins, opens up about the controversy that made him Christianity’s most talked-about heretic, why he walked away from his megachurch at the height of fame, and how midlife pushed him to reinvent himself.From faith and psychedelics to wisdom traditions, AI, and the art of living an unpigeonholable life, Rob’s journey is as provocative as it is inspiring. Whether you see him as a rebel, visionary, or outlaw, one thing’s clear: you won’t walk away from this episode thinking the same.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:35 Meet Rob Bell02:08 Following a Calling & Evolving05:16 Early Life & First Sermons11:04 Starting Mars Hill Church13:02 Performance Art Preaching15:01 Controversy & Pushback16:44 Rise to Time’s 100 Most Influential People21:10 Leaving the Church & Midlife Transition26:25 Reinventing in His 40s29:58 Evolving Faith & Moving Beyond Doctrine31:46 The Greatest Unlearning35:00 Surfing, painting & daily rituals38:15 Reconnecting with Spirituality40:25 On Psychedelics & Temples44:57 From Knowledge to Wisdom51:16 Redefining Intelligence54:56 Rob’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker57:47 Closing ReflectionsChip shares key takeaways on creativity, freedom, and living beyond expectations.Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#RobBell #MidlifeChrysalis #PunkRockPastor #LoveWins #SpiritualJourney #MidlifeTransitions #FindingPurpose #WisdomTraditions #SpiritualAwakening #FaithAndCreativity #LeavingReligion #SpiritualGrowth #Unpigeonholable #MidlifeSpirituality #CareerEvolution

What if aging wasn’t about slowing down—but about leveling up?In this powerful conversation, Marc Freedman, founder of Encore.org (now CoGenerate), unpacks the surprising history of retirement, why communities like Sun City reshaped how we see aging, and how we can flip the script on what it means to grow older. From encore careers to intergenerational mentorship, Marc shows why midlife is no dead end—it’s a launchpad for purpose, impact, and connection.If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive after 50, find meaning in your “second act,” or simply stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode will change how you see the road ahead.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:39 Marc Freedman as Chip’s “modern elder”02:46 How aging became feared, not revered04:26 Why older people are no longer revered07:30 Rise of retirement communities13:14 Why people question retirement as a goal15:56 Marc’s personal view on retirement18:36 The origins & evolution of CoGenerate24:10 Why intergenerational connection matters27:46 What CoGenerate does to help31:52 Big policy ideas for the future37:31 Tips for those nearing retirement44:15 Upcoming workshop with Chip48:47 Wisdom bumper sticker50:51 How does Marc measure success54:00 Wrapping upLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MarcFreedman #EncoreCareers #ModernElder #MidlifeReinvention #FindingPurpose #LifeAfterRetirement #GenerationalCollaboration #CrossGenerational #AgingWell #WisdomAtWork #EncoreOrg #CoGenerate #ModernElderAcademy #SecondActCareers #PurposeDrivenLife

Author, speaker, and “Radiant Rebel” Karen Walrond joins Chip Conley for a warm, inspiring conversation on how to age with joy, live on your own terms, and keep your spark alive.From growing up between Trinidad and the U.S., to leaving engineering and law for a creative life, Karen’s story is full of bold choices and unexpected turns. She shares cultural insights on aging, how to break free from the “success script,” and the seven playful experiments from her new book In Defense of Dabbling that prove it’s never too late to try something new.Packed with heart, humor, and practical wisdom, this episode will leave you smiling and inspired to chase your own adventures.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:45 Introduction to Karen Walrond01:58 Growing up & career journey06:50 Midlife shift toward writing and creative work11:38 Cultural perspectives on aging in Trinidad vs. the U.S.16:55 Defining the “Radiant Rebellion”19:14 Resisting societal scripts23:06 Aging in non-white cultures31:43 Collaboration with Brené Brown36:12 Introducing In Defense of Dabbling40:03 The 7 attributes of dabbling44:08 Why trying new things matters as we age50:42 Karen’s experience teaching at MEA workshops53:11 Karen’s wisdom bumper sticker57:10 Chips’s closing reflections on joy, culture, and lifelong learningLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#AgingBoldly #MidlifeReinvention #RadiantRebellion #LifeOnYourOwnTerms #NeverTooLate #MidlifeTransformation #CuriosityAndPlay #JoyfulAging #BreakingFree #LiveFully #MidlifeMotivation #RedefiningSuccess #KeepYourSparkAlive #IntentionalLiving #TrySomethingNew

What happens when a Harvard scholar, devoted Mormon, and mother of a child with Down syndrome begins to hear psychic messages—and decides to tell the truth no matter the cost?In this powerful conversation, Martha Beck shares how leaving her religion, embracing polyamory, and facing her deepest fears led her to a life of radical integrity, joy, and healing.If you’ve ever felt stuck, out of alignment, or afraid to be fully yourself—this episode will change how you see everything.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:56 Meet Martha Beck03:02 Growing Up Mormon, Academic Journey, and Her Son’s Diagnosis10:53 Leaving Mormon Church & Reframing Midlife14:47 Losing Religion, Finding Soul, and Polyamory19:20 Returning to True Nature Through Rebellion21:23 Lessons from Her Son with Down Syndrome27:10 Psycho-Neuro-Immunology & Integrity30:58 Shaman Sickness & Becoming a Healer33:24 A Simple Path to Inner Stillness40:01 The Radical Power of Not Lying41:43 How to Listen to Your Body’s Response52:27 Martha’s Bumper Sticker WisdomLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MarthaBeck #ChipConley #TheWayOfIntegrity #MidlifeTransformation #SpiritualAwakening #LeavingMormonism #DownSyndromeParenting #PolyamoryJourney #LifePurpose #InnerHealing #TrustYourself #ModernElder #SelfDiscovery #PsychicExperiences #AnxietyAwareness

What happens when a self-made billionaire steps away from the company she built and faces the big question: What’s next?In this inspiring episode, the founder of Spanx opens up about her journey from door-to-door sales to creating a global brand, the emotional challenges of selling her company, and how she’s redefining success, purpose, and identity in midlife. It’s a raw and uplifting conversation about reinvention, intuition, and finding meaning beyond business.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:56 Family background and kids03:47 Childhood struggles and early mindset shift06:32 Discovering Wayne Dyer and self-growth09:00 Letting go of law school plans09:46 Intuition and coping mechanisms13:25 Selling fax machines and rethinking her path14:17 The idea for Spanx is born18:40 Building Spanx and landing Neiman Marcus22:37 Growing Spanx without advertising25:30 Selling Spanx and facing an identity shift31:51 Midlife change and grief34:44 Creating Sneaks brand43:54 Psychology behind the second venture47:32 Perimenopause, health issues, and PMDD50:19 Modern Elder Academy experience53:37 Focusing on presence and meaning55:42 Introverts, extroverts, and integration58:17 Feminine energy as a superpower59:42 Wisdom bumpersticker1:02:26 Chip’s final thoughtsLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#SarahBlakely #Spanx #FemaleEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessSuccess #Motivation #Inspiration #FounderStory #StartupJourney #MindsetMatters #SuccessTips #BusinessAdvice #SelfMadeWoman #EntrepreneurMindset #ChipConley #MidlifeChrysalis

What if midlife isn’t a breakdown—but a breakthrough?In this powerful conversation, world-renowned writer Pico Iyer shares the surprising lessons he’s learned from 50 years of friendship with the Dalai Lama, losing everything he owned, and finding stillness in the chaos. From walking away from success in New York to building a soulful life in Japan, Pico reveals how true freedom comes not from having more—but from letting go. This episode is a masterclass in finding purpose, inner peace, and meaning in the second half of life.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:13 Meet Pico Iyer02:02 Why TED Keeps Inviting Pico Back02:50 Pico’s favorite TED talk04:04 Early Life Across Continents05:17 What “Home” Really Means07:21 Stillness and the Midlife Chrysalis12:33 Moving from Park Avenue to Kyoto15:31 The Value of Being an Expat18:10 Inner Calm in a Chaotic World22:31 Everyday Stillness Practices29:24 A Lifetime with the Dalai Lama37:34 Living in Absence of Answers42:29 Pico’s Anticipated Regret46:11 What Makes MEA So Special50:47 Awe, Community, and Transformation53:27 Pico’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker56:27 Episode Key TakeawaysLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeChrysalis #PicoIyer #ChipConley #MidlifeTransformation #ModernElder #Stillness #InnerWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #LifePurpose #DalaiLama #HomeAndSoul #ExpatLife #GratitudePractice #Resilience #MindfulLiving

What happens when a successful actor—and the son of a Hollywood legend—hits midlife and starts asking deeper questions?In this powerful episode, Scott Eastwood opens up about building his own identity beyond Clint Eastwood’s shadow, what 40+ films have taught him, and why he’s now prioritizing purpose over fame. He reflects on masculinity, mentorship, mistakes, and what it really means to grow wiser with age.What happens when a successful actor—and the son of a Hollywood legend—hits midlife and starts asking deeper questions?In this powerful episode, Scott Eastwood opens up about building his own identity beyond Clint Eastwood’s shadow, what 40+ films have taught him, and why he’s now prioritizing purpose over fame. He reflects on masculinity, mentorship, mistakes, and what it really means to grow wiser with age.Feeling your own shift? Subscribe to The Midlife Chrysalis and explore Modern Elder Academy’s workshops designed to help you thrive in midlife and beyond.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:41 Chip’s Relationship With His Dad 08:28 A Prolific Film Career09:38 Working with Clint Eastwood10:51 Carving His Own Path13:54 New Projects & Genre Exploration15:52 Masculinity in Modern Culture18:09 Growing & Maturing as a Man19:26 Questioning & Redefining Midlife21:32 Childhood Dreams & Creative Shifts24:05 Aging, Directing & Creative Control27:1 Time, Regret & Following Your Gut31:51 The Outpost Movie & Hyperbaric Healing35:07 Real Wellness, Not Wellness Trends37:16 Life Lessons & Emotional Maturity39:44 How Scott Hopes to Be Remembered41:31 Lessons from Mom & Dad43:20 Having Mentors & Becoming One44:13 Scott’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker49:13 Healing a Father-Son RelationshipLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#ScottEastwood #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #ClintEastwood #MasculinityToday #ActorLife #FilmIndustry #PersonalGrowth #LegacyAndIdentity #MidlifeReflection #LifeLessons #EmotionalMaturity #CreativeJourney #WellnessWisdom #FollowYourGut

What happens when one of the most thoughtful voices in public life hits a wall?In this deeply personal conversation, Krista Tippett opens up about burnout, walking away from success, and rediscovering joy in midlife. From letting go of exhaustion to falling in love again, she shares the hard-won wisdom that’s reshaping how she lives, works, and loves. It’s a moving reminder that it’s never too late to begin again, so don’t miss this one.Subscribe for more powerful conversations that spark reflection, reinvention, and real change in midlife.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Setup00:46 Introducing Lee and the Unique Cast of Guests01:52 What Makes a Great Interviewer?06:12 Interviewing John O’Donohue09:57 Thresholds and Transitions12:58 Krista’s Childhood and Upbringing in Oklahoma17:40 The Bible as Her First Text of Imagination20:00 Interviewing Richard Rohr and Men’s Spiritual Lives23:36 Krista’s Midlife Reflections27:06 Midlife Chrysalis and Personal Transformation30:53 Building a Life Around Love and Friendship35:36 What She’d Regret Not Doing38:09 What Brings Joy Now42:03 Defining Wisdom and Growing Wiser46:26 Staying Grounded Through Rituals and Attention51:43 Rethinking Retirement54:29 The Aging Brain and Synthesizing Wisdom57:46 Wisdom Bumper StickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeWisdom #OnBeing #KristaTippett #MidlifeTransformation #SpiritualGrowth #LifeAfter40 #InnerLife #FindingPurpose #EmotionalResilience #WomenOver40 #BecomingWise #SoulfulLiving #PersonalGrowthJourney #AgingWithGrace #DeepConversations

What if your so-called “midlife crisis” was actually a doorway to reinvention? In this powerful conversation, Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell joins Chip Conley to explore how the radical spirit of Burning Man offers surprising lessons on aging, identity, leadership, and legacy. From embracing impermanence to finding purpose without a script, this episode is a deep dive into how midlife can be your most creative and meaningful chapter yet.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:40 Chips Connection to Burning Man04:43 What Burning Man Really Is07:01 How Burning Man Became a Global Movement08:47 The Core Principles That Guide Everything11:13 Radical Self-Expression and Creating Without Expectation13:38 Why Burning Man Attracts People in Midlife Transition16:43 Loss, Legacy, and What We Leave Behind21:46 Lessons from Larry Harvey as a Modern Elder25:05 What She Learned as a Burning Man’s CEO33:00 What Is Fly Ranch and Why It Matters36:28 Fly Ranch Like Burning Man’s Feminine Side39:24 Three Tips for Burning Man First-Timers42:14 Burning the Man and Temple Rituals47:22 The Healing Power of Ritual50:08 Why MEA Resonates with Burners53:40 Wisdom Bumper StickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#BurningMan #MidlifeCrisis #MidlifeTransformation #MarianGoodell #BurningMan2025 #PersonalGrowth #ReinventionAfter40 #MidlifeAwakening #LifeAfter50 #SpiritualJourney #BurningManExperience #RadicalSelfExpression #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #PurposeInMidlife

What does it really take to start over at 69?In this inspiring episode, Whole Foods founder John Mackey shares how psychedelics, purpose, and love reshaped his path after selling to Amazon.From ego death to building Love Life wellness centers, he opens up about business regrets, spiritual breakthroughs, and midlife transformation. You'll learn how conscious capitalism evolves with age—and why love might be the ultimate business strategy.Subscribe for more honest conversations about midlife renewal, purpose-driven living, and personal reinvention.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:27 Meet John Mackey01:27 Psychedelics, Ego Death, and Food as Purpose07:44 Love, Breakups, and Big Business Shifts08:37 Austin in the '70s and Building Whole Foods10:40 Advice to His Younger Self12:34 From Atheism to Spiritual Adventure14:36 What Is Conscious Capitalism?17:15 How Whole Foods Revolutionized Grocery Stores19:28 Learning to Communicate with Kindness21:46 Selling Whole Foods to Amazon28:17 Why He Finally Left Whole Foods29:25 Healing Journey Through Plant Medicine31:28 What Is Love Life?37:56 Psychodelics as Therapeutic Method40:21 Challenges and Financial Realities43:21 Longevity Myths and What Actually Works47:49 Redefining Retirement with Purpose49:54 What He’d Regret Not Doing52:09 Wisdom Bumper Sticker55:33 Final ReflectionsLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#JohnMackey #WholeFoods #ConsciousCapitalism #MidlifeTransformation #LongevityTips #PlantMedicine #PsychedelicHealing #PurposeDrivenLife #HolisticHealth #LoveLifeWellness #SpiritualGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #ChipConley #FoundersJourney #ReinventYourself

What if hitting rock bottom was the best thing that ever happened to you?In this raw and inspiring conversation, Rich Roll, a former addict turned world-class endurance athlete, shares how he rebuilt his life from scratch, facing failure, financial ruin, and identity loss to find real purpose.With brutal honesty, he opens up about his addiction, fatherhood, marriage, legacy, and the heavy cost of chasing approval. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what comes next, this conversation just might change how you see your own story.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 01:13 Spine Surgery and Recovery03:02 Losing Identity and Facing Stillness05:47 Interviewing Master Interviewers07:17 Life Begins at 40 & Rejecting the Race11:06 How to Know You’re on the Right Track13:42 Performance vs. Presence15:25 Addiction, Achievement, and the Roots of Disconnection19:49 The Midlife Chrysalis at Age 3924:29 The Support of His Wife Julie26:04 Lessons from Rich’s Midlife Chrysalis32:14 From Blog to Writing a Book38:10 Launching the Podcast & Relocating to Hawaii42:27 Gaining Momentum43:50 Financial Struggles and Family Impact48:14 What Makes Rich Roll’s Podcast Different51:58 The Importance of Genuine Curiosity54:25 The Power of Vulnerability in Conversation56:31 Rethinking Success and Slowing Down01:01:46 Legacy, Family, and Showing UpLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeTransformation #RichRoll #SpineSurgeryRecovery #SobrietyJourney #PurposeInMidlife #EnduranceAthlete #AddictionRecovery #MidlifeReinvention #PersonalGrowth #PodcastLife #EmotionalResilience #LifeAfter40 #LegacyWork #AuthenticLiving #ModernElder

What if midlife isn’t a crisis, but your most creative chapter yet?In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, bestselling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin shares how he’s reinvented his life through purpose-driven work, disciplined freedom, and the belief that life itself is a series of art projects.We explore why the “dip” is a crucial part of growth, how to walk away from success when it no longer serves you, and what it really means to build a legacy. Seth also opens up about aging, identity, and choosing meaning over momentum.It’s a conversation full of wisdom, honesty, and practical insight for anyone navigating change. Subscribe for more episodes that help you reimagine your next chapter!Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:16 How Seth and Chip first met at Stanford02:49 Writing their first book together03:53 Jay Conrad Levinson as a modern elder07:01 Writing over 150 books08:31 Understanding The Dip and its midlife parallels12:28 Seth’s two “Dip” examples14:13 Chip’s hotel dip and decision making17:27 Creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship after 5019:36 Not being in high school anymore & insulating yourself22:49 Midlife crisis or chrysalis?27:25 Alt MBA, The Carbon Almanac, and collaborative creation32:03 Rebranding midlife and self-image as we age35:28 Things that got better with aging37:54 Seth’s perspective on retirement & legacy41:16 Seth’s next project42:42 The future of the U.S. and generational change46:28 A bumper sticker of wisdom48:14 The importance of the origin storyLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#SethGodinInterview #MidlifeChrysalis #StanfordStories #TheDipBook #PortfolioLife #ModernElderAcademy #CarbonAlmanacProject #AltMBAJourney #RebrandingMidlife #CreativeAging #WisdomInMidlife #OpportunityCostLesson #EntrepreneurAfter50 #LifeAsArtProject #TeachingLegacy

At 40, Hoda Kotb’s world fell apart—cancer, divorce, and the dream of having children slipping away. But what came next wasn’t the end. It was a beginning.In this amazing episode, Hoda opens up about surviving breast cancer, finding the courage to adopt at 52, and learning that her 50s would become the most meaningful years of her life. She shares raw moments, unexpected joy, and the wisdom that only comes from starting over.If you're navigating change or wondering if it's too late to begin again, this episode will speak straight to your heart. Subscribe to Midlife Chrysalis and join our community for more stories that prove the second half of life can be the best half.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:23 Growing Up in an Immigrant Family03:25 Childhood in Nigeria and Egypt05:49 Rejection, Resilience, and Unexpected Opportunities08:27 A Tumultuous Early 40s: Marriage, Cancer & Change14:14 Aging On-Air and Thriving in Her 50s17:26 Adoption at 52 and the Joy of Motherhood23:32 Love & Relationships Later in Life28:59 Stepping Away from the Today Show32:51 Starting a New Business at 6034:39 Gratitude for Her Mom36:22 Lessons from Her 60s: Be a Beginner Again41:26 Hoda’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker44:05 Closing ReflectionsLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#HodaKotb #MidlifeChrysalis #WomenOver50 #BreastCancerSurvivor #MidlifeTransformation #ReinventionAfter50 #AdoptionStory #LifeAfterCancer #StartingOverAt50 #InspirationalWomen #PersonalGrowthJourney #LateBloomerSuccess #CareerChangeAfter50 #FindingPurposeInMidlife #NeverTooLate

What if the most powerful transformation of your life came after the titles, the heartbreak, and the noise? In this deeply moving episode, Maria Shriver opens up about rediscovering her identity beyond the Kennedy legacy, confronting the emptiness behind external success, and finally giving herself permission to become whole.From her Catholic upbringing and complicated relationship with ambition, to the raw honesty of her poetry and spiritual healing, Maria shares how she moved through loss, betrayal, and public scrutiny—and came out the other side free, grounded, and fully herself.If you're navigating your own midlife reinvention, craving deeper purpose, or learning to let go of old roles, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:34 Who is Maria Shriver?02:18 Faith Journey & Early Influence05:20 Self-Discovery & Wholeness07:44 Poetry & Embracing a Feminine Side09:40 Finding Out Who You Really Are15:06 The Poem “Connecting the Dots”19:27 Messy Midlife & Reframing Aging22:11 The Poem “Chaos” & Coming Out of Mess30:14 Redefining Purpose, Love, and Legacy32:21 Vulnerability as a Superpower38:21 Embracing Freedom & Your True Self41:05 Living Fully on Your Own Terms44:48 What is Moral Beauty?47:57 Evolving & Aging as a Gift56:20 Final WisdomLearn more about MEA at MEAWisdom.com#MariaShriver #MidlifeTransformation #Reinvention #SpiritualGrowth #FindingYourself #WomenEmpowerment #HealingJourney #EmotionalHealing #LettingGo #PoetryHealing #LegacyBeyondFame #VulnerabilityIsStrength #RedefiningSuccess #MoralBeauty #PersonalGrowth

What if the life you built is no longer the one that fulfills you? In this powerful episode, former venture capitalist turned CEO coach Jerry Colonna shares how his midlife crisis became a chrysalis—from collapsing under the weight of outward success to rebuilding a life rooted in meaning, connection, and emotional resilience.He shares the moment he almost gave up, the books and mentors that helped him begin again, and why real leadership starts with healing yourself. If you're navigating uncertainty or chasing purpose after 40, this is your roadmap. Subscribe for more conversations that honour the complexity—and beauty—of becoming whole.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:51 Greeting and introduction02:06 Jerry’s background & career journey09:36 Fundamentally being broken12:33 The crash of 2001 and Grand Canyon awakening15:35 Post-9/11 breakdown and decision to change18:41 The power of asking “How am I complicit?”21:41 The pursuit of wealth and inner emptiness25:57 Childhood trauma and the need to be seen28:31 The transformation: from ego to true self33:31 Becoming Buddhist business coach37:57 Lessons from modern elders: Pema, Parker, Sharon44:56 What gets better with age47:10 Midlife wisdom and personal integration51:34 The ability to enjoy bitter sweetness52:50 Why do we need midlife wisdom schools54:37 Collective healing and “you’re not alone”56:10 Bumper sticker of wisdomLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeTransformation #JerryColonna #CEOCoach #EmotionalResilience #MidlifeAwakening #MentalHealthMatters #LeadershipWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #Psychoanalysis #BusinessAndSpirituality #RebootYourLife #ModernElders #LifeAfterSuccess #YoureNotAlone

What if midlife isn’t a crisis—but a chance to grow, heal, and start fresh? In this episode, Michael Franti shares how he transformed personal pain into purpose, why letting go of old stories changed his life, and how music helped him reconnect with himself and others.Michael opens up about fatherhood, breaking free from emotional patterns, and the daily work of staying present in a distracted world. From his earliest songwriting days to his biggest transformations offstage, he reveals what it really takes to live with heart and intention. This episode is full of truth, warmth, and perspective for anyone ready to evolve.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:17 Maturing Through Mistakes03:07 Impactful Midlife Transitions06:03 AIDS Crisis & The Power of Sharing Stories10:40 Success in His 50s & Roll of Wisdom13:09 Creating from Emotion & Collaboration18:06 Musical Genres & Identity Challenges21:09 Learning to Play Guitar at 3025:55 Moments with Bono and Childhood Trauma34:16 Emotionally Unavailable Adoptive Mother39:39 Overcoming Phone Addiction43:17 Creating Deep Family Relationships44:55 How His Dad Changed After a Stroke48:26 Break Up with Everything You Don’t Need51:47 Live Performance55:33 Letting Go of Old StoriesLearn more about MEA at ⁠MEAWisdom.com#MichaelFranti #MidlifeTransformation #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #FatherhoodJourney #LettingGo #LiveWithHeart #MindfulLiving #MusicAsMedicine #BreakTheCycle #StorytellingMatters #LifeAfter50 #HealingThroughMusic #IntentionalLiving #PresenceOverPerfection #SpiritualAwakening #NewBeginnings

Welcome to the very first episode of The Midlife Chrysalis!Chip Conley kicks off this amazing podcast by redefining midlife. It’s not as a crisis, but a powerful chrysalis for transformation.He shares his own wild journey and reveals why your 40s, 50s, and beyond can be the most meaningful years of your life. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming guests like Maria Shriver, Brian Chesky, Gavin Newsom, and more. If you're ready to reinvent yourself and thrive in midlife, this is your new go-to podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Chrysalis00:40 My Journey from Crisis to Chrysalis01:24 Midlife as Time of Major Transition02:15 Why This Podcast Matters02:24 Upcoming Guests03:08 An Invitation to Join the JourneyLearn more about MEA at ⁠MEAWisdom.com#MidlifeTransformation #ReinventYourLife #ModernElder #MidlifeJourney #AgingWithPurpose #MidlifeMotivation #LifeAfter40 #LifeAfter50 #SecondActSuccess #MidlifeReinvention #PurposefulLiving #LongevityMindset #ChipConley #UCurveOfHappiness #MidlifeWisdom