Second Breaks

What is delight, really? Not just happiness, not quite joy, but something sparkier and more surprising. In this episode, I talk with writer and yoga therapist Alex Lovell, whose essay “Delight: A Radical Invitation” caught me at just the right time. We explore what makes delight feel different from other emotions, how we can (maybe?) invite more of it into our lives, and why it matters, especially when the world feels heavy.This is a conversation about delight, yes — but also about presence, burnout, bittersweet memories, emotional vocabulary, and squirrels. (Really.)ABOUT MY GUEST:Alex Lovell, Ph.D., is a Yoga Therapist, a Political Psychologist, and the Writer of the Substack publication, Life as I See It. Alex helps you reclaim that hidden space so that you can navigate life feeling anchored, renewed, and at peace.IN THIS EPISODE:- The difference between joy, happiness, and delight- Why slowing down might actually start with noticing- Presence as more than just “being in the moment”- Emotional memory and why your body sometimes cries before your brain knows why- The limits of control and the quiet power of choosing where our energy goes- Delight as an act of resistance — and a path back to ourselvesCheck out the full show notes for this episode here: https://loublaser.substack.com/p/236-alex-lovell• • • • •Subscribe to We're All Getting Older — it's like sitting at the kitchen table with strong coffee and real good questions: https://loublaser.substack.comConnect with Lou Blaser on Substack: https://substack.com/@loublaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/ Get full access to We're All Getting Older at loublaser.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew Long, retired Navy officer and writer at Beyond the Bookshelf, joins me in this conversation about planning for a major life change.Too often, we drift into the next thing simply because it's familiar. In this conversation, Matthew explains how he avoided this drift and planned his post-retirement life after a long career in the Navy. ABOUT MY GUEST:Matthew Long spent 24 years on active duty in the Navy before retiring in 2024. His civilian life is all about being a reader, a writer, and spending a lot of time with his dog, Lola. He resides in Tennessee with Jannette, his wife of 22 years, and their 17-year-old daughter, while their eldest son is off to college.IN THIS EPISODE:- The challenges of transitioning from a structured career to an open-ended future- How Matthew approached his retirement beyond just the financial side- The blueprint process he used to get clear on his next steps- Changes in family dynamics and household roles post-retirement- How Matthew is putting his blueprint into action—and what his next chapter looks likeCheck out the full show notes for this episode here: https://loublaser.substack.com/p/235-matthew-long• • • • •Subscribe to We're All Getting Older, a newsletter about living a vibrant & fulfilling life so we can die happy later: https://loublaser.substack.comConnect with Lou Blaser on Substack: https://substack.com/@loublaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/ Get full access to We're All Getting Older at loublaser.substack.com/subscribe

I am joined by Yvonne Marchese, whose boundless energy and fearless approach to trying new things always inspire me. In this lively conversation, Yvonne shares her secrets to staying energized, curious, and playful in midlife (and beyond).ABOUT MY GUEST:Yvonne Marchese is a former actress turned photographer, podcaster, author, age-agitator, and person who encourages us all to live and age playfully. On Instagram, you will often find her posting clips of her rollerskating or doing fun, playful things and just celebrating her midlife. IN THIS EPISODE:- How Yvonne's “beginner's mindset” keeps her excited about life- Her leap into photography, roller skating, and even writing a book- Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and the little voice that says, “You can't”- Why surrounding yourself with inspiring people is a game-changer- And her plans to lean into playfulness in 2025Check out the full show notes for this episode here: https://loublaser.substack.com/p/234-yvonne-marchese• • • • •Subscribe to We're All Getting Older, a newsletter about how to live now so we can die happy later: https://loublaser.substack.comConnect with Lou Blaser on Substack: https://substack.com/@loublaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/ Get full access to We're All Getting Older at loublaser.substack.com/subscribe

I'm back! The podcast has been on hiatus since August, which has given me the time to plan the way forward.In this episode, I talk about rocks versus pebbles (you know that story, right?) and how that analogy has helped me define the future of this podcast. I also discuss how the podcast complements We're All Getting Older (the main publication) and what you can expect from January onward.• • • • •Subscribe to We're All Getting Older, a newsletter about how to live now so we can die happy later: https://loublaser.substack.comConnect with Lou Blaser on Substack: https://substack.com/@loublaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/ Get full access to We're All Getting Older at loublaser.substack.com/subscribe

Some things are changing around here, and I wanted to share the thought process, where I'm coming from and what's next for the podcast. Please be sure to subscribe to We're All Getting Older, to hear about future releases. We're All Getting Older is a weekly publication that explores living a fulfilling and meaningful second half of our lives.FOOTNOTESSlowing Down Time------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/Subscribe to We're All Getting Older: https://loublaser.substack.com/Work With Lou Blaser: https://www.loublaser.com/bookacallSupport the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondbreaksThank you!

This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and a community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older.I am joined by writing coach and bestselling author Jen Louden. In this episode, we chat about the aspirations many midlife individuals have to write a book. Jen emphasizes the importance of recognizing the desire to write, distinguishing it from the desire to master the craft. We discuss the benefits and challenges of writing groups, finding the right mentors, and the emotional vulnerability of sharing one's work. We also talked about how to find and work with book coaches. Jen offers practical advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to embrace their creative journey and find joy in the process.GUEST LINKSJen Louden's webpage: https://jenniferlouden.com/Why Bother: Discover The Desire For What's NextJen Louden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenlouden/Jen Louden on Substack: https://jenniferlouden.substack.com/FOOTNOTESAuthor Accelerator: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchmeCaroline Knapp memoirs: https://amzn.to/4fqtt0P and https://amzn.to/4frxmCYTara Westover memoir: https://amzn.to/3WoBStb------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/Subscribe to We're All Getting Older: https://loublaser.substack.com/Work With Lou Blaser: https://www.loublaser.com/bookacallSupport the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondbreaksThank you!

This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older.Grief is a universal experience, yet it is deeply personal and unique to each individual. In this episode, I continue the conversation about grief and explore the relationship and connection between grieving and liminal spaces, how our behavior about liminality applies to grieving, and the "tasks to be done" during this particular — often painful — liminal period.  Find the essay version of this episode on We're All Getting Older: https://loublaser.substack.com/FOOTNOTESEp 229: Can we talk about grief? With Charlene LamEp 226: The Purpose of Liminal Spaces------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/Subscribe to We're All Getting Older: https://loublaser.substack.com/Work With Lou Blaser: https://www.loublaser.com/bookacallSupport the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondbreaksThank you.

This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and a community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older.I am joined by Charlene Lam, grief coach, speaker, and founder of the Grief Gallery.This is a wide-ranging conversation about "processing" our grief after the death of a loved one. We talked about the common feelings that show up during the grieving process, like guilt and regret. We discussed the topic of "moving on," what that even means, and how to differentiate between "normal grieving",  situations when you may need help, and the spectrum of care. Charlene also shared her unique approach to dealing with the belongings of our loved ones and how to reclaim the narrative and the stories we would like to remember and tell about them. GUEST LINKSCharlene Lam's website: https://www.charlenelam.com/Charlene Lam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curating_grief/FOOTNOTESThe Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/Subscribe to We're All Getting Older: https://loublaser.substack.com/Work With Lou Blaser: https://www.loublaser.com/bookacallSupport the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondbreaksThank you!

This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and a community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older.As a follow-up to the previous episode with Yvonne Marchese (Ep 228: Can we slow down time?), I'm sharing further thoughts about time — why it feels like it's moving too fast, where this sense of time urgency comes from, and the three areas that I'm going to address in an attempt to "slow down time". FOOTNOTESEp 228: Can we slow down time? A conversation with Yvonne Marchese------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loublaser/Subscribe to We're All Getting Older: https://loublaser.substack.com/Work With Lou Blaser: https://www.loublaser.com/bookacallSupport the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondbreaksThank you.

This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and a community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older.Do you feel like time's rushing by so fast? Do you wish you could slow it down, just a bit, so you can enjoy the days or even just catch your breath?In this episode, my good friend and author of In Full Bloom, Yvonne Marchese, joins me to explore how we can slow down time — if that's even possible, given our busy lives. Both Yvonne and I have done a great job culling out our activities, carefully and deliberately choosing what we put on our plates. So, we're exploring how we can pause more and enjoy these things that we've chosen to put on our plates! Neither Yvonne nor I have THE answers, but we definitely came up with a handful to try and incorporate into our day-to-day. GUEST LINKS:In Full Bloom: A Guide To Aging PlayfulyYvonne Marchese's Late Bloomer Living PodcastFollow Yvonne Marchese on Instagram------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and a community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older. In this episode, we discuss the concept of midlife portals and the importance of liminal spaces during life transitions. Inspired by Jen Berlingo's book "Midlife Emergence," I explore the metaphor of doorways marking the passage into new life phases, particularly focusing on significant transitional periods. I share reflections from my personal journey when I left my corporate life and the lessons I learned about the value of liminal spaces. IN THIS EPISODEMidlife portals and the significance of the liminal space in life transitionsIntentionality and purpose behind approaching life transitionsChallenges and opportunities of liminal spacesMy lessons learned about the value of liminal spacesThe "jobs-to-be-done" in the liminal spaceFOOTNOTESMidlife Emergence, by Jen BerlingoEp 225: Finding Our Way Through Major Life Transitions with Jen Berlingo------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to We're All Getting Older, a weekly newsletter about growth in the second half of our lives.Work with Lou Blaser

I'm joined by Jen Berlingo, author of Midlife Emergence, to discuss the transformative journey of midlife. We explore the concept of emergence as a positive reframe of the midlife crisis, emphasizing the opportunity to unveil one's authentic self. Jen discusses the second individuation process, the challenges of embracing change while managing life's responsibilities, and the importance of authenticity. Our conversation reveals the complexities of midlife changes, the struggle with societal expectations, and the courage to pursue personal truth and growth.Jen Berlingo, MA, LPC, ATR (she/her) is a coach, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Nationally Registered Art Therapist, and a master-level Reiki practitioner. After two decades of "midwifing" hundreds of women through life's major transitions and experiencing her own passage through a fiery midlife portal where she more fully stepped into her queer identity, she was inspired to write Midlife Emergence to accompany other women in traversing their midlife journeys. Upon its publication, Midlife Emergence reached #1 in several Amazon categories, including midlife management, divorce, LGBTQ+ memoirs, LGBTQ+ parenting and families, adulthood and aging, and self-help. GUEST LINKS:Jen Berlingo's websiteJen's Substack: PrismJen's book: Midlife Emergence------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to We're All Getting Older, a weekly newsletter about growth in the second half of our lives.Work with Lou Blaser

"A lot of people get old because they think they're supposed to."Former award-winning television journalist and Emmy-Award-winning producer/writer/director Paul Long shares his midlife career transitions and his "new way forward" — one that is ideal for him, that takes advantage of the new realities of longevity and the new phase of life he calls "olderhood." In this episode, Paul and I have a wide-ranging conversation about what it means to get older today, what "olderhood" means (and why he considers this a better moniker for this phase in life), retirement, and the stories we tell ourselves as we get older.   GUEST LINKS:Paul Long's Newsletter: Launch YourselfPaul Long on YouTubeFollow Paul Long on LinkedIn------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to We're All Getting Older, a weekly newsletter about growth in the second half of our lives.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you.

How do you prepare to leave a job or career that you love? Merle Saferstein is an educator, speaker, author, and a pioneer in legacy journaling. After twenty-six years as a Holocaust educator, where she worked with hundreds of Holocaust survivors, helping them to leave their legacy, she retired and created Living and Leaving Your Legacy®.In this episode, we talk about her previous role at the Holocaust Center, how she prepared to retire from a job that meant so much to her, and the questions she asked herself then.  GUEST LINKSMerle Saferstein's websiteLiving and Leaving My Legacy (Volumes 1 and 2) by Merle SafersteinFOOTNOTESEp. 214: Living Our Legacy with Merle Saferstein------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to We're All Getting Older, a weekly newsletter about growth in the second half of our lives.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

Vivek Chakrabortty, CEO and Founder of The Kavi Group, a crisis management and business continuity consulting firm, "worked on himself" for years, combining influences from Catholicism, Stoicism, Vedanta, Buddhism, and mindfulness, to come up with his own 3-step philosophy for managing and mastering himself.In this episode, he walks us through each step, and we explore various practical applications in our day-to-day lives. This is a mini-masterclass on managing ourselves. Sit back and grab a notepad. GUEST LINKS:Vivek on LinkedInThe Kavi GroupFOOTNOTESA Case Study in Personal Growth and Transformation with Vivek ChakraborttyThe Untethered Soul by Michael Singer------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to We're All Getting Older, a weekly newsletter about growth in the second half of our lives.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

A quick episode to share some big news in my world and riff on the topic of change — whether or not we actually hate change. (Spoiler alert: I don't think we do, actually.)FOOTNOTESWe're All Getting Older (and why I'm changing names)Hop on the WAGO wagon------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to We're All Getting Older, a weekly newsletter about growth in the second half of our lives.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

Do we stop being ambitious as we get older? What happens to the drive we've always had once we retire? In this episode of Second Breaks, I explore ambition with Kathy Oneto, the founder of Sustainable Ambition and host of The Sustainable Ambition podcast.  Kathy shares the results of her research and insights from numerous interviews on this topic. We explore the concept of maintaining ambition over time without self-sacrifice, the negative connotations of ambition, societal pressures, and the trap of ambition comparison. We talked about the application of ambition beyond a career and the shift from external to internal motivation. Kathy also shares her personal connection to the topic and insights from her upcoming book, offering advice for those transitioning careers or nearing retirement. The episode highlights the need for intentionality in ambition and finding joy in life's small moments.ABOUT MY GUESTKathy Oneto is a strategy executive and life-work coach who is passionate about helping people succeed on their terms at work and in life. Kathy champions being consciously ambitious and crafting fulfilling work from decade to decade without sacrificing your life or yourself.IN THIS EPISODE:Evolution of ambitionPerception of ambition and societal attitudes towards itUnhealthy striving and its impactBroader scope of ambition beyond career goalsAmbition in midlife and beyondStrategies for sustaining our drive and ambitionFOOTNOTESKathy Oneto's websiteThe Sustainable Ambition PodcastFollow Kathy Oneto on LinkedInBecoming by Michelle ObamaHow Yo-Yo Ma Sustains His Creative Energy (WorkLife with Adam Grant)------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you.

In this podcast episode, I am joined by Dr. Kathy Zhang, a physician specializing in hospice and palliative care. I follow Kathy on LinkedIn, where she regularly posts wisdom that she's gained from speaking with thousands of people in the last moments of their lives. One specific post caught my attention, and I thought the points she shared were brilliant reminders for us about what truly matters. The episode delves into the impact of fear on life choices, the illusion of abundant time, and the need to prioritize personal life alongside work. We also touch on the transient nature of material possessions, the unpredictability of life, and the importance of holistic wellness.You're going to want to listen to this a few times.

Happy New Year, my dear listener friend!I'm more excited than ever to tackle my life and work goals this year. 2023 ended up being about clarifying direction and intentions — although I didn't know that back in January 2023! As I welcome 2024, I can feel the difference. I have a better understanding of where I want to move toward and a clearer path forward.In this episode, I share my goals and plans for 2024. These are grouped in the following buckets: Health and Well-Being Work, Impact, and Relevance Growth and Learning Relationships Please leave a comment here if you'd like to share your goals, or if you have a question, and let's keep each other accountable this year. FOOTNOTESMy Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned From 2023------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

For the last three years, I've been capturing key takeaways from the year that's about to end. I only regret not starting this practice earlier; it's a powerful way to gain wisdom from our experiences.So, as we wrap up 2023, I'm excited to share with you some personal insights and lessons I've gathered this year.I would love to hear about your key takeaways from 2023. You can leave a comment here. IN THIS EPISODE Importance of reflecting on experiences to gain wisdom Four takeaways from the past year My decision about my career FOOTNOTES Ep 201: Gratitude During Periods of Uncertainty with Holly Bertone 21 Questions I Ask at Year-end ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you.

One of the things I've been reflecting on more and more is my personal growth in midlife and this stage in my life. In the book that I'm writing, there's an entire chapter on what it means to continue to grow as we get older.So, of course, I wanted to have a chat about this topic with my good friend and frequent collaborator, Yvonne Marchese, who has grown in leaps and bounds since I met her roughly 4 years ago. We sat down and chatted about growth — what growth in midlife means for us, how we plan (if we plan) for growth, and how our relationship with growth has changed over time. This isn't a how-to episode; really, it's two friends exploring the word growth. We hope that by sharing our thoughts with you, it'll re-enforce your own growth goals, or give you a different perspective. Or maybe, if we're lucky, inspire you to forge ahead, jump into new waters, expand, and grow.ABOUT MY GUESTYvonne Marchese is the host of the Late Bloomer Living Podcast and the founder of Midlife Uprising Community for women.  She is also the author of In Full Bloom: A Guide to Aging Playfully. She's a professional photographer, mother, and wife.  At the age of 48, she realized that she'd bought into a story about getting old that was adversely affecting her health and relationships.  Yvonne believes that midlife is filled with possibility, that it's never too late to pursue a dream, and that the stories we tell ourselves have tremendous power.IN THIS EPISODE Planned versus unplanned growth Measurable growth versus growth that's not easily measurable Are we growing even if we're not paying attention or measuring our growth? How time and distance can help us recognize our personal growth What growth in 2023 looked like for Yvonne and Lou FOOTNOTES In Full Bloom: A Guide To Aging Playfuly Yvonne Marchese's Late Bloomer Living Podcast Follow Yvonne Marchese on Instagram ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

I'm excited to introduce a new format for this episode, "Dear Lou", where I'll be sharing questions from listeners or readers of Midlife Cues, as well as my responses. Our first 'Dear Lou' episode takes us into a story about the complexities of transitioning from a demanding career to retirement. I recently received an email from a listener about her sister, who recently retired and has started to become deeply involved in her grown children's lives, causing some family tension. In this episode, I'll share my response to "Concerned Sister" and my suggestions for how the family can address the underlying issue together. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE Any transition, including retirement, can feel like a rollercoaster ride and bring up unresolved issues. Retirement can upend family dynamics, and it's important to discuss expectations and intentions within the family. Ambition and drive do not disappear upon retirement. It just shows up differently and will need to be channeled into meaningful and challenging activities. FOOTNOTES207. My Unplanned, Messy, and Chock-Full O'Lessons Retirement Story------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

"An unexamined life is not worth living."  The famous quote has been attributed to Socrates, the person that many believe valued the pursuit of wisdom more than anyone else in history.With this quote, Socrates implied that examining and understanding our lives is of utmost importance — essentially, for us to have the wisdom about ourselves and the life we choose to lead. Otherwise, we're merely existing, acting in ways the reasons for which are unknown to us. And yet, to examine our lives is to turn the lens on ourselves. And it's not easy to do in some respects. It's far easier to look away and never truly examine. But to make the effort to continuously examine our lives has many benefits —  the best one being that we get to know ourselves really really well. And I think that's the ultimate best thing in life: To get to the end of the road and know that I've done the best I could to know myself and to master myself and to try to live the way I'd be proud to have lived.The easiest way to examine our lives, of course, is through journaling. And my guest in this episode, Merle Saferstein, is the best person to explore the practice of journaling. ABOUT MY GUESTMerle R. Saferstein is an educator, speaker, author, and a pioneer in the field of legacy journaling. She has been journaling for 48 years and has amassed a collection of 380 journals, the majority of which are the basis for her legacy journal Living and Leaving My Legacy Vols. 1 & 2. After twenty-six years as a Holocaust educator where she worked with hundreds of Holocaust survivors helping them to leave their legacy, she retired and created Living and Leaving Your Legacy®. Through classes, workshops, and lectures, she has guided thousands of people in sacred legacy work, writing for wellness, and journaling. Her short story collection, Room 732, pays homage to the historic Hollywood Beach Hotel. Merle lives in Miami, Florida with her husband of fifty-six years and has two children and two grandchildren.IN THIS EPISODE How journaling facilitates how we can live our legacy Journaling for ourselves versus journaling for others The many different purposes that journaling serves Why and how we can dispose of old journals Merle Saferstein's experience re-reading hundreds of her journals to create her books FOOTNOTES Merle Saferstein's website Living and Leaving My Legacy (Volumes 1 and 2) by Merle Saferstein International Association for Journal Writing The Great Book of Journaling Randy Pausch's TED Talk  Episode 165 on Writing Our Memoirs ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

"My entire profession changed drastically from one day to the other. And I started feeling like I didn't know where I fit anymore. I didn't know what I'm good at anymore."Roberto Seif is a former innovation strategist who experienced forced retirement from his corporate career. Roberto's story is not uncommon in today's world, where companies frequently reorganize, cut positions, or even go under, often leaving employees without warning. This reality is particularly challenging as we get older, with the prospect of finding another job becoming increasingly difficult. This often necessitates a career pivot or complete reinvention to avoid retirement.Roberto's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of reinvention.ABOUT MY GUESTFor over 20 years, Roberto Seif worked with top global corporations and consulting firms, including PwC, Unilever, Hyatt, and HDR, where he developed, launched, and managed multi-million dollar products and brands. Along the way, he reinvented his career nine times. At age 48, Roberto relaunched his career with a mission to help seasoned professionals reinvent the second half of their careers. As a Mid-Career Reinvention Coach, Roberto applies tools and principles from Design Thinking, Brand Strategy, and LEAN, to help his clients regain clarity, direction, and energy in their careers. He lives in Chicago with his wife and 2 daughters, ages 8 and 5.IN THIS EPISODE: Forced retirement and career reinvention The emotional transition of a career change The identity struggle following retirement (or leaving a successful career) Making a career change and playing to strengths in midlife FOOTNOTES Connect with Roberto Seif on LinkedIn Roberto Seif's website Our Attention Needs Leading (Midlife Cues #65) Episode 198 with Stephanie Dethlefs Reinvention Insight Intensive ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

In my younger years, I used to measure success based on external and quantifiable metrics. Job promotions, titles, salary, and material possessions were the yardsticks I used to gauge my achievements. However, as I've grown older and retired from my corporate career, my perspective on success has shifted.In this episode, I discuss the six common examples of how our definition of success changes in retirement and as we get older. As you listen, I encourage you to reflect on how and in what ways your success definition has changed as well.FOOTNOTESEpisode 193: A Case Study in Personal Growth and Transformation with Vivek Chakrabortty------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

If you ever thought that if you were set financially and money was no issue, you would retire immediately and just enjoy life, you might want to listen to this episode.I had the pleasure of chatting with Luke Mathers, a two-time retiree and successful entrepreneur. Luke shares his experience of retiring at a young age, after selling his lucrative practice, and initially enjoying the freedom it afforded him. Despite being able to do whatever he wanted, Luke soon realized he was missing something in his life. He eventually returned to work and built a successful business before retiring again in 2020.We discuss what drives happiness in retirement. We talk about the importance of finding purpose and passion in retirement, beyond financial security. And we explore the role of curiosity and experimentation to discover new interests.IN THIS EPISODE Luke's realization that retirement wasn't as fulfilling as he imagined and his return to his profession Luke's second retirement in 2020 and the importance of finding passion and purpose The privilege of retirement and the opportunity to prioritize intrinsic rewards The importance of finding purpose and motivation in retirement The process of figuring out what to do next ABOUT MY GUESTLuke Mathers knows a thing or two about stress and is here to help us embrace life's challenges. As one of the original directors of Specsavers in Australia and was part of the biggest retail roll-out in Australia's history, the Specsavers team opened 100 stores in 100 days and transformed the industry. Luke is adamant that stress can be good for you, and he believes that high performers need to become stress teflon. He is here to show you how to make stress not stick. The author of three books, "Stress Teflon", "RESET", and "Curious Habits," Luke will help you get curious about how to thrive when the pressure is on.FOOTNOTES Follow Luke Mathers on LinkedIn Luke Mathers' website From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

In this episode, we discuss the key themes and characteristics of modern retirement, as well as the changing attitudes towards work and purpose in midlife. We explore the desire to continue working after retirement, the need for additional income due to longevity, and the shift toward making a difference and leaving a legacy. Friends of the pod and readers of Midlife Cues contributed to this conversation. They highlighted, among others, the importance of finding fulfilling work in retirement and the need for purpose and belonging. I often say we are the voice of a generation, and we have an opportunity here to influence the narrative about what it takes to retire in the 21st century. Our experience of modern retirement is something our generation will have to define and map out. Previous retirement maps aren't as helpful anymore as we experience retirement in a different era with new requirements and opportunities. And the themes that we talked about today certainly inform our new map. IN THIS EPISODE Themes of modern retirement Shift in motivations and ambitions toward making a difference and leaving a legacy The reality of longevity and its impact on retirement Work-life integration and exploration of different parts of oneself Influencing the narrative around retirement ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS EPISODE Mary Beth Simón on LinkedIn Paul Long on LinkedIn Bernie Borges on LinkedIn Kathy Bourque on LinkedIn Luke Mathers on LinkedIn Susan Bernstein on LinkedIn ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

This week, we're wrapping up the special series on Modern Retirement. In previous episodes, we've talked about why reframing retirement is a necessary must-do. I've shared my messy retirement journey. And we've discussed the 7 skills we need to navigate retirement in the 21st century.Today, I want to walk you through a framework that I've been working on. The Modern Retirement framework is not a rigid methodology but a loose guide that provides direction on what to consider and do while allowing for creative adaptation. It's the result of extensive research, including reading numerous articles and books, listening to relevant podcasts, and conducting interviews with individuals who have successfully navigated their retirement and those who are in the planning stages.IN THIS EPISODE Why a framework is useful when planning for modern retirement How a framework works, and how it's different from a methodology The 5 disciplines in the framework The Modern Retiree Manifesto FOOTNOTES Stanford Center on Longevity Ep 206 What Even Is Retirement Anymore? Ep 207 My Unplanned, Messy, and Chock-full O'Lessons Retirement Story Ep 208 Beyond Financials: The Skills We Need to Navigate Retirement in the 21st Century ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYThis is the third episode in our series on Modern Retirement in the 21st century. The traditional idea of retirement as a life of rest and leisure is no longer appealing to many people, and slogans like "Never Retire" have gained popularity. In previous episodes, we've discussed why we need to reframe retirement and actively reshape its definition and expectations to make it work for us.   In this episode, I introduce the seven essential skills for navigating retirement successfully, including cultivating a positive mindset, embracing curiosity, mastering technology, managing time effectively, networking, and developing emotional intelligence.IN THIS EPISODE Changing landscape of retirement in the 21st century Reframing retirement and reshaping its definition and expectations Importance of planning for retirement financially, skill-wise, and mindset-wise Seven essential skills for navigating retirement successfully FOOTNOTES Episode 206: What Even is Retirement Anymore? The Skill it Takes to "Go Downhill" ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYIt's difficult to talk about the mess when you're in the middle of the mess.This is the "true" story behind my retirement story - i.e., what happened when (and why) I left my corporate career. It's recorded with the benefit of hindsight, of course, and only with some distance that enabled some reflection and connecting of dots.My personal experience is the reason why I'm so driven to talk about retirement and why I urge corporate folks to think holistic, and not focus only on financial readiness.I'm sharing my story as part of the month-long series on Modern Retirement in the 21st Century, and also because there are lots of lessons learned!IN THIS EPISODE: Why I really left the career I worked hard to build My initial plans and why they didn't work What finally helped clear the fog  FOOTNOTESModern Retirement: Redefining the Experience for the 21st Century------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYRetirement in the 21st century looks and feels different from how our parents experienced their retirement. It's even going to be different from how we, once upon a time, might have imagined ourselves retiring.And while the loudest messages out there about retirement are all about financial security, investment strategies, and growing the nest egg, the truth is there's more to consider than just dollars and cents.So the question is, what now? What is our new relationship with the word? How should we think about retirement? Or should we, as many suggest, simply retire the word retirement altogether? You can find the written version of this episode here.IN THIS EPISODE When and how did traditional retirement begin How did retirement become associated with a life of leisure and relaxation The single most important reason why we need to reframe retirement How generations are shaping different perspectives of retirement  The harsh reality we must accept A couple of not-so-bold predictions ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank yos

EPISODE SUMMARYAre you concerned about your brain health and the risk of cognitive decline? Do you believe that memory loss is a natural part of aging? In this episode, I interview brain health professional Allison Liu, who shares practical steps to protect and improve our brain health. We discuss the importance of taking care of our brains, debunking the common belief that memory loss is inevitable as we get older. Allison expertly walks us through the 11 risk factors that affect brain health and the practical steps to address them. This episode marks the end of the Midlife Health and Well-being series. The podcast will be back in a couple of weeks with a new mini-series focused on retirement readiness.ABOUT MY GUESTAllison Liu a qualified Brain Health Professional and the creator of the "Stay Sharp For Life" program. She is a trained Health Coach, a Dr. Amen Brain Health Licensed Trainer, and an expert in helping women reclaim their mental sharpness and improve their energy and mood.IN THIS EPISODE The 11 risk factors that affect the health of our brain How to mitigate the risk factors and practical steps we can do today The surprising (not!) relationship between the food we eat and our brain's health Why our brain is the most important organ in our body FOOTNOTES Allison Liu's Sharp For Life program Connect with Allison Liu on LinkedIn 5 Steps to Protect Your Memory Dr. Daniel Amen OTHER EPISODES IN THE MIDLIFE WELL-BEING SERIES: 202. Intermittent Fasting with Laurie Lewis 203. Stress Relief Principle with Shulamit Ber Levtov 204. Sexual Health with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, M.D. ------------Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYDo you believe that sex after menopause is always painful and that your sexual life will never be the same again? If so, you may be surprised to learn that these are just some of the common misconceptions surrounding sex after menopause.In this episode, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MD, discusses these misconceptions and provides valuable insights into managing vaginal health during and after menopause. She explains the impact of decreased estrogen levels on vaginal health and the importance of being proactive in managing it. She also addresses the misconception that sex after menopause is always painful and emphasizes the importance of individual choice in engaging in sexual activity. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of understanding and managing vaginal health, as well as the need to dispel myths surrounding sex after menopause. This episode highlights the need for reliable information and the importance of addressing menopause comprehensively.ABOUT MY GUESTDr. Alyssa Dweck is a practicing gynecologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide. She is an Ob/GYN for over 25 years with a special interest in menopausal health and female sexual health. Dr. Dweck is the co-author of three books and has appeared on The Today Show and Good Day LA. She contributes regularly to multiple prints and online media outlets. She has been voted “Top Doctor” in New York Magazine and Westchester Magazine. When she's not helping women improve their health, Dr. Dweck enjoys time with her husband, two sons, and “girly” English Bulldog. She is an avid runner and sports car enthusiast.IN THIS EPISODE The three main misconceptions about sex after menopause Main reasons that lead to painful sex after menopause Products, tools, and practices that can help maintain vaginal health Complexities around women's libido after menopause FOOTNOTES Bonafide Follow Bonafide and Dr. Dweck on Instagram Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Work with Lou BlaserSupport the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYStress is a common experience that affects our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, especially in midlife. But unfortunately, only a few have been taught to manage stress effectively. As a result, how to deal with stress is often one of those things we fumble our way around through life!  In this episode, we're continuing our midlife health and well-being series, focusing on stress management. I'm joined by mindset and resilience consultant Shulamit Ber Levtov. She shares her insights on the definition of stress, how our bodies respond to it, and the three principles of stress relief. Shula emphasizes the importance of proactive stress management and self-care routines, including the daily practice of stress resilience tools. Throughout the episode, we provide practical tips and strategies for managing stress and building resilience.ABOUT MY GUESTShulamit Ber Levtov is a mindset and resilience consultant. She uses her background as a trauma therapist to help women entrepreneurs stay sane and care for their emotional health as they ride the emotional rollercoaster of running a business. Shula helps her clients discover what affects their mental and emotional well-being and create a plan to care for it in an era of relentless stressors. IN THIS EPISODE The physiology of stress — what is happening inside our bodies when we are under stress The most important thing to remember about chronic vs acute stress The three principles of stress relief: Soothing, Discharge, and Nourish Examples of how these principles look in practice Why it's important to develop our personal stress relief tools ahead of time FOOTNOTES Shula's website  Follow Shula on LinkedIn For all the links and show notes, head on over to https://www.secondbreaks.com/Work with Lou BlaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Support the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYThis is the first episode in a series on Midlife Health and Well-Being. I am joined by Laurie Lewis to discuss the benefits of intermittent fasting for midlifers and particularly for women going through menopause. As an expert on the topic, Laurie shares her personal experience with menopause and how intermittent fasting helped her. We also delve into the challenges of maintaining a healthy weight as we age, the impact of processed foods on our health, and the benefits of fasting beyond weight loss, such as improving energy levels and managing health conditions like diabetes. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of listening to our bodies and finding a fasting routine that works for us, as well as establishing a healthy relationship with food and our emotions.ABOUT MY GUESTLaurie Lewis is an Intermittent Fasting Coach, Author & CEO of Fast Forward Wellness. Laurie's Intermittent Fasting is the antithesis of dieting, and she has made it her mission to help other women find their way out of the typical traps of diet culture and into a dream come true -- eat the foods you love and enjoy the rest of your life feeling vibrant and well.Laurie is passionate about changing the conversation around IF and sharing all the incredible benefits fasting can have for people outside of the realm of weight loss. Utilizing the fasting principles of Gin Stephens, Dr. Jason Fung, and Dr. Bert Herring, Laurie takes on individual clients - both celebrities and everyday people, as well as leading her group programs live online and is the author of the acclaimed book Celebrating Your Vibrant Future.IN THIS EPISODE We talk about the relationship between aging, menopause, and weight gain. Laurie discusses the benefits of fasting beyond weight loss, such as improving energy levels, managing health conditions like diabetes, and optimizing the body's natural design. Laurie outlines the basic elements of a "clean fast" and explains what an eating window is. Laurie suggests a way to ease into an intermittent fasting practice. I share my own experience and my main challenge with IF. FOOTNOTES Laurie Lewis' website: Fast Forward Wellness Delay, Don't Deny by Gin Stephens Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung Dr. Bert Herring For all the links and show notes, head on over to https://www.secondbreaks.com/Work with Lou BlaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Support the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYI think it's safe to say we would rather be in a state of gratitude than not. It's also safe to assume that we know — even if we may not be aware of the actual science behind it —  that having a gratitude practice is beneficial to our well-being. However, I must confess that I struggle with maintaining a consistent gratitude practice. I find it challenging and often forced, which makes it difficult to stick with it. Moreover, there are times in life when feeling grateful seems impossible, such as during times of difficulty or after experiencing a loss. It's easy to throw our hands up and ask, "What is there to be grateful for?" But I do believe that cultivating a state of gratitude can help us navigate through curveballs and periods of uncertainty. To explore this topic, I am joined by Holly Bertone, the host of the Gratitude Builds Fortitude podcast. Together, we discuss how to cultivate a gratitude practice that feels authentic and effective, even during challenging times. We offer practical advice on how to embrace gratitude as a powerful tool to help us navigate through life's ups and downs.ABOUT MY GUESTHolly Bertone, PMP, CNHP is a #1 Amazon.com bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and gratitude coach. As a breast cancer and autoimmune survivor, she helps women view their diagnosis as a gift so that they can unwrap resilience to build fortitude with gratitude. Holly spent 25 years rising through the ranks of consulting and federal government service before her failing health shattered her corporate dreams. Since then, she has leaned into her path of true purpose as the President and CEO of Pink Fortitude and founder of Fortitude Academy by helping women go from being Grumpy Worriers to Grateful Warriors.KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE The typical practice of listing 3 things we're grateful for does not work for everybody and may even be making it difficult for some to get into a gratitude practice. Being in a state of gratitude is less a matter of listing things we're grateful for, and more about actually feeling grateful Each person's gratitude habit must take into consideration their natural personality or tendencies to make it ‘stick'. We can find our way to a state of gratitude even during times of stress or difficulty. Gratitude builds fortitude. FOOTNOTES Gratitude Builds Fortitude, a podcast hosted by Holly Bertone Fortitude Academy Find Holly Bertone on Instagram Difficult Gratitude by James Altucher The Science of Gratitude (some studies that may explain why gratitude can be naturally difficult for some people) For all the links and show notes, head on over to https://www.secondbreaks.com/Work with Lou BlaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living and personal growth in midlife.Support the Show. Thank you

EPISODE SUMMARYThis is the official 200th episode of Second Breaks! I'm practically twisting myself around and patting myself on the back for reaching this milestone.But I don't want to just celebrate reaching a specific number. I want to mark the progress that I've made in life since I started this show.We all know change is the one thing that's constant in life, and in this episode, I want to reflect on that. Specifically, the change we go through intentionally or naturally over time. It's those small, incremental changes that often go unnoticed, but can lead to big transformations.To help me with this reflection, I've asked my dear friend to join me, Yvonne Marchese, who hosts the Late Bloomer Living podcast.We chat about how important it is to zoom in and zoom out to get different perspectives, and how that helps us recognize both specific and broader changes. We use the start of our respective podcasts as a mile marker to reflect on our journeys and to acknowledge how far we've come.I hope this episode inspires you to take some time to reflect on your own journey and recognize the progress you've made, no matter how small.Remember, it's not just about the destination. It's about the journey and the changes we make along the way.KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE We go through incremental change all the time, which we often don't realize until we take the time to reflect. It's important to zoom in and zoom out to get different perspectives on our lives and recognize both specific and broader changes. Choosing relevant markers to zoom out can help us recognize broader changes, and reflecting on our journey is time well-spent. Reflecting on our progress is essential to recognize our own progress, not as how others see us, but how we witness it in ourselves. It's important to mark and celebrate our progress in our journey, no matter our age or where we are in life. FOOTNOTES Yvonne Marchese's Late Bloomer Living Podcast Follow Yvonne Marchese on Instagram Clubhouse The Obstacle Is The Way, by Ryan Holiday Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedInWork with Lou BlaserSubscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about personal growth in midlifeSupport the Show. Thank you!

EPISODE SUMMARYWell, folks, it's hard to ignore the big news these days about ChatGPT and AI.Although we've been using AI for a while now, many of us have thought it was still a ways off from becoming truly disruptive.But now, with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 and GPT-4 in March 2023, we've entered a new phase of development where AI outputs are virtually indistinguishable from human outputs, and some are hailing, are even better than what humans can do.For those of us in the working midlife crowd, this presents both an opportunity and a risk. We can't bury our heads in the sand and pretend it's not happening.So in this episode, I'm going to talk about why we need to pay attention and take action now to reposition ourselves for what's coming. Stay tuned for some practical tips you can implement right away to stay ahead of the game.KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE The unrelenting march of AI development is a monster curveball that will affect midlifers in the workforce. The worst thing we can do is to stick our heads in the ground and ignore what's happening. But don't worry, there are certain things we can do to prepare, plan, and reposition ourselves. So let's get to it! For all the links and show notes, head on over to http://secondbreaks.comWork with Lou BlaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living in midlife.

EPISODE SUMMARY:We don't always recognize a curveball when we get hit by one. We don't see that we need to change and make some adjustments. Instead, we ignore it, deny it, or fight to keep things status quo. That is until it becomes glaringly obvious that some change is required.In this episode, I chat with Stephanie Dethlefs, whose curveball resulted in a change in her career and the identity that came along with doing that work. But these changes didn't happen as soon as her curveball hit. She spent many years fighting to maintain a balance until she couldn't anymore.ABOUT MY GUEST:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She has spent decades working with writers of all ages in the classroom as a teacher and now as a book coach, where she's finding her own voice and holding space in which others can find their own. Stephanie is the author of the middle-grade novel Unspoken and the host of the Let's Write Your Novel! podcast. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats, and a spunky pup.FOOTNOTES:Stephanie's website: Hello Writers (make sure to grab her freebies)Let's Write Your Novel podcastUnspokenEp 197: When Curveballs HitWork with Lou BlaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living in midlife.

EPISODE SUMMARY:This is the second part of the conversation on why midlife is a call to action for change. If you haven't listened to Part 1 (Ep 195), I suggest you start there! In this episode, I tackle the subject of "unexpected change" or what I call curveballs — events that disrupt our lives, sometimes even reshaping and changing their trajectory.You can read the full text of this episode at http://secondbreaks.comFOOTNOTES:Life Is In The Transitions, by Bruce FeilerEp 195: Midlife Is A Call To Action: The Case For Change (Part 1)Ep 196: “When” is Midlife with Bernie BorgesWork with Lou BlaserConnect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living in midlife.

EPISODE SUMMARY:This week's guest is Bernie Borges, Producer and Host of the Midlife Fulfilled podcast. Bernie shares his perspective on what (and when!) midlife is — which is quite non-traditional, bordering on controversial! I expect it will generate some reactions, no doubt. I'm also sharing my own thoughts and definition of midlife. Although not dissimilar from Bernie's, it has minor differences.It's important that we adopt a broader definition of midlife because how we view midlife has significant implications on how we live the second half of our lives.ABOUT MY GUEST, BERNIE BORGES:In addition to producing and hosting the Midlife Fulfilled podcast, Bernie is Vice President, Global Content Marketing at iQor, a leading BPO. He's an Advisory Board member at Vengreso and at the University of South Florida Digital Marketing Certification Program. Bernie resides in Florida with his wife Jean. They're empty nesters with two adult children living up north. Bernie's favorite title is "abuelo" which is what his grandson calls him.IN THIS EPISODE: Bernie's perspective on what midlife is and isn't We talked about the benefits of thinking broadly about midlife seasons. The importance of taking a broader perspective on how we define midlife We discussed the difference between happiness and fulfillment Bernie shares his observations about midlife fulfillment, from interviews from his podcast Footnotes: Follow Bernie Borges on LinkedIn Check out his podcast, Midlife Fulfilled What is Midlife? Who is in Midlife? The episode on Midlife Fulfilled, where I joined Bernie to share my story Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living in midlife.

In the season opener, Lou Blaser makes the case that midlife is a call to action for change. This is a two-parter conversation, and in this episode, Lou talks about why midlife change is necessary and inevitable and why this change is certainly not a crisis.Read the full text of this episode at http://secondbreaks.com Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living in midlife. 

In this bonus episode, I share my plans and goals for the podcast for the year. FOOTNOTES:Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living in midlife. 

Contrary to popular opinion, wisdom does not come with age.It is the act of sitting down and reflecting on our own experiences that creates wisdom. And one powerful exercise we can do to capture that wisdom is to reflect on the lessons we're taking away from our experiences in the past year.Before you get too busy with your 2023 goals and plans, take a pause to consider the lessons you learned from last year. A slight variation to this is to ask what you learned ABOUT yourself last year.In this bonus episode, I share the five lessons I learned and am taking with me into the new year. Footnotes:Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, a weekly newsletter about intentional living in midlife. 

Have you ever looked back and considered how different you are today from the 20-year-old version of yourself?This is a question that I ask all my guests on the podcast. And I'm always blown away by the thoughtfulness of their answers.In this short bonus episode, I've compiled the responses of my guests this year so you can listen to all of their thoughts back to back.I've found myself in their words. I've found so much strength and inspiration as well.And I think you'll feel the same way.Oh, and I'll share my own answer to this question as well. Footnotes:Connect with Lou Blaser on LinkedIn.Subscribe to Midlife Cues, the newsletter about intentional living in midlife.

Many of us conduct some kind of a year-end review process sometime in December.My process has evolved a lot over the years, but I've been sitting down to do an annual review religiously since my corporate years.I'm always looking for ways to keep my process relevant to wherever I am in life. I also work to spice it up so things don't get boring and I can look forward to the exercise toward the end of December.During the last few years, I've picked up a handful of new questions that aren't the usual kind you frequently hear about. And these have added a new dimension to my assessment of how my year went.If your year-end review process has gotten stale or a bit ho-hum,  consider adding these to change things up.For the written version of this episode and all the links, head on over to http://secondbreaks.com

A singular event rarely transforms a person. True transformation occurs over time and usually, after a series of events that shakes one's world view. ABOUT MY GUEST:Vivek Chakrabortty is the CEO and Founder of The Kavi Group, a crisis management and business continuity consulting firm that supports some of the largest firms in the world today. He is a husband and a father to 3 young adults. You'll hear him say later that home is wherever his family is, so let me just say, today, he and his family reside in Florida. IN THIS EPISODE: How Vivek slowly but surely, discarded the rule books and constructs that he had previously lived his life by; The philosophies — or his North and South stars — that guide his work and life; How these philosophies show up in his work and his parenting style; What he views as his responsibility is to his employees; How his ambition expresses itself today (versus how it was 20 years ago). For all the links and show notes, head on over to http://secondbreaks.com

I've come to regard midlife as a kind of fresh start or rather, we can choose to approach it as a fresh start.This is a time in our lives when we can pause and really review where we are and think about how we want the second half of our lives to work out, and then really refocus our energy toward that. For many of us, that means choosing to change areas of our life.Sadly, as much as the vision of our future can be exciting, many of us would rather look away from that vision because we're not willing to go through the pain of rocking our world as it exists today.In this episode, I bring you the story of Lori Saitz who did not look away and went through a major life makeover of her own making.ABOUT MY GUEST: Lori Saitz is the Founder of Zen Rabbit and host of the podcast “Fine is a 4-Letter Word.” She's an award-winning writer, speaker, and broadcaster. She guides business professionals who are finished living in a dumpster fire, to a place of unprecedented clarity, peace, and productivity. Using a collaborative approach, she teaches people to be grounded and centered, which leads to improved relationships, increased sales, and better overall health.IN THIS EPISODE: Why Lori says “fine” is a 4-letter word. The thing about commiserating with friends. Why our friends may not always like the changes we're making in our lives. The question we should really stop asking others. And how to respond when we do get asked that question! For all the links and show notes, head on over to http://secondbreaks.com

We've all avoided having an important conversation because of fear. Often, we do so because we don't have the tools — we don't know where and how to begin. We don't have the words or the vocabulary to discuss an important topic. Sometimes, it's because we've been burned in the past when a difficult conversation went awry.I also feel like the older I get, the need to have these difficult or sensitive conversations aren't decreasing. They feel like they're multiplying!And just because we're older doesn't mean we've mastered the art of conducting difficult conversations. Sure, we have loads of experience under our belt. And some of us really have done massive work on this and have some tools to help navigate the fear in difficult conversations.But we can always use more tools in this space.ABOUT MY GUEST: Nancy Burger is a communications strategist and coach who guides executives and teams to foster emotionally healthy cultures. A certified leadership coach, author, and seasoned researcher, Nancy brings her 10+ years of communications expertise and research in psychology to elevate workplace connections. Nancy also delivers workshops and talks to universities, leadership organizations, and networking groups, all with the aim of cultivating clear, effective, and productive communication dynamics.In this episode, Nancy and I peel back the curtain and explore the challenge many of us face when having difficult conversations.IN THIS EPISODE: How fear complicates difficult conversations Why we don't always catch the fear-based thoughts that are driving our decisions and actions Setting the expectations of ourselves going into sensitive conversations How to prepare for these sensitive conversations For all the links and show notes, head on over to http://secondbreaks.com

While I have pursued many “big” projects and taken on risks head-on, there are still many things that I hold myself back from because of fear. Sometimes, it's because I don't feel ready. The worst is when I hesitate because “who do I think I am that I could pull this thing off?”Recently, a good friend did one of these challenging public-facing projects. I had front-row seats and witnessed her move from idea to full execution and was so impressed that I asked her to chat about it when it was overI wanted to learn from her experience, not so much the technical “how did you do it”. Rather, it was more about the mental and emotional “how did you do it” aspects of it.If there's a project you're thinking of undertaking and you're somewhat paralyzed with fear or wondering if you have what it takes or why in the world you even think you can do it, this episode is for you.ABOUT MY GUEST:Yvonne Marchese is a photographer and the host of the Late Bloomer Living Podcast. Early this year, she hosted the Midlife Uprising Summit – a gathering of women committed to busting through their Midlife Funk and rocking the next chapter of life.The summit consisted of 30 speakers and was attended by over 300 participants. Today, she has transitioned that initial gathering to a community of midlife women who continue to inspire and cheer each other on, share stories and take bold action together.In this conversation, Yvonne and I deconstructed her experience – from the initial seed of an idea to the finish line. We talked about some of the challenges she faced, where and how she got support, and some of her lessons learned.For all the links and show notes, head on over to http://secondbreaks.com

If I were ever granted a do-over, one thing I would do differently is to take my well-being seriously.Sadly, my well-being did not show up on my list of priorities when I was in my 20s, 30s, or even early 40s. In fact, I had previously confessed that the stupidest thing I ever said was, “I'll sleep when I'm dead.Thankfully, some level of wisdom prevailed and I no longer think that way. Somewhere along the way, I learned the importance of self-care and about putting my well-being on my list of prioritiesThat's why I'm so excited to host this conversation with Ellen Kocher and Dominique Ben Dhaou here on the podcast.Ellen and Dominique are the powerhouse duo behind Wake-Up, Shake Up, Thrive and the co-authors of the book, “Wake-Up, Shake-Up, Thrive! How to Lift Up your Life in Your 50's and Beyond”Ellen and Dominique met at a conference where Dominique was a featured speaker. They hit it off, with their mutual love of good food and fine wine, and most importantly, their passion for supporting individuals and organizations to conquer age 50+ demographic challenges.In this episode, Dominique and Ellen gave me a preview of their book and walked me through the five dimensions of well-being in midlife and beyond.ABOUT MY GUESTS:Dominique Ben Dhaou is a Swiss National who has been working in Human Resources leadership roles in international organizations for over 30 years. She has experience in 12 different industries across continents. As the Founder and Managing Director of PointNorth International, she helps professionals and executives reinvent a career that truly fits their experience, values, skills and purpose. Her passion for untapped potential goes far beyond conventional human resources practices.Dominique's co-founder for Wake Up, Shake Up, Thrive is Ellen Kocher. Ellen completed her undergraduate work in Economics and Finance and began her career as a Management Consultant. As a seasoned executive and senior manager, she faced the challenges of a busy working lifestyle, sprinting between responsibilities, deadlines, and travel. In 2003, Ellen decided to slow down her hectic job to care for her three children, giving her the opportunity to reassess her career-driven lifestyle. She lost weight and discovered her best new self through nutrition and lifestyle change. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Why it's important to think of these dimensions as gears The five dimensions of well-being: physical, emotional, intellectual, financial and spiritual Quick actionable steps to incorporate these dimensions into our lives today Why it's literally “never too late” to start For all the links and show notes, head on over to http://secondbreaks.com