Over 50 Shades of Great: The Podcast

The Hidden Grief of Career Change (And How to Move Forward)

What happens when a career change feels like grief? In this episode of Over 50 Shades of Great, Deborah talks with career grief coach and former entertainment executive Laverne McKinnon about job loss, burnout, career transition, professional heartbreak, and reinvention after 50. Laverne explains why leaving a job, being laid off, or changing industries can feel like losing part of your identity — especially for women over 40 and 50 whose careers have been tied to purpose, confidence, success, and belonging. Deborah also shares her own experience navigating career reinvention after years in television, becoming a first-time mother after 50, and learning to sit in the unknown of what comes next. This episode is for women in midlife who are facing career change, burnout, ageism, layoffs, or a major life transition — and need a reminder that their purpose is bigger than any job title. Connect with Laverne McKinnon Career Strategist & Grief Recovery Specialist Substack: https://moonshotmentor.substack.com/ [https://moonshotmentor.substack.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavernem/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavernem/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWBuL2OWgglO_YHyFdJOGpg]: @moonshotmentor Instagram: @lavernemckinnon When A Career Breaks Your Heart | Laverne McKinnon | TEDxForbesParkSalon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cKGfGwLcHk

The Truth About Perimenopause: Hormones, Skin & Feeling Like Yourself Again

Dr. Trevor Cates joins Deborah for an eye-opening conversation about hormones, skin, perimenopause, menopause, and the real meaning of beauty after 50. Author of Natural Beauty Reset, Dr. Cates explains why skin can be an outer reflection of what’s happening inside the body — from thyroid and hormones to sugar, inflammation, gut health, and stress. Deborah and Dr. Cates also talk about bioidentical hormones, the importance of testing, foods that support glowing skin, why omega-3s matter, and the biggest beauty mistakes women make as they age. This episode is for every woman who has been told her labs are “normal” but still doesn’t feel like herself. Free Hormonal Harmony Guide https://drtrevorcates.com/hormonal-harmony-guide/ [https://drtrevorcates.com/hormonal-harmony-guide/] Books Natural Beauty Reset https://www.amazon.com/s?k=natural+beauty+reset+trevor+cates [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=natural+beauty+reset+trevor+cates] Clean Skin From Within https://www.amazon.com/s?k=clean+skin+from+within+trevor+cates https://drtrevorcates.com/ [https://drtrevorcates.com/]

Human Design Explained: Discover Your Purpose, Personality & True Self

What if the key to transforming your life isn’t changing who you are—but remembering who you’ve always been? In this eye-opening episode of Over 50 Shades of Great, Deborah welcomes world-renowned Human Design experts Carola Eastwood and Chetan Parkyn for a conversation that challenges conventional ideas about identity, purpose, and personal growth. Together, they explore how Human Design can help you understand your unique energetic blueprint, make better decisions, improve relationships, and navigate life’s biggest transitions with greater confidence and clarity. They also discuss the five Human Design types, how this system differs from astrology, and why learning to trust your own design can be especially powerful during midlife and beyond. Deborah shares her own journey of discovering she’s an Emotional Generator, the profound impact it had on her career and relationships, and how she’s using Human Design to parent her daughter in a way that honors her individuality from day one. You’ll also hear fascinating insights on: * Living in alignment with your authentic self * Midlife reinvention and finding your purpose * Human Design and parenting * Soulmates, relationships, and emotional decision-making * Ancestral patterns, karma clearing, and generational healing * Why your greatest gift is embracing who you were born to be If you’re curious about Human Design, seeking deeper self-awareness, or navigating a new chapter after 50, this conversation will leave you inspired to trust yourself and step into your fullest potential. Because your purpose isn’t to become someone else—it’s to become more fully you. https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/ [https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/] https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/human-design-books/ [https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/human-design-books/] https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/karma-clearing-by-design/ [https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/karma-clearing-by-design/] https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/hdts/ [https://evolutionaryhumandesign.com/hdts/]

From Grief to Gratitude: Kathy Swarts from The Golden Bachelor

What happens when life completely falls apart—and you choose to build something beautiful anyway? In this episode of Over 50 Shades of Great, Deborah Read sits down with fan favorite Kathy Swarts from The Golden Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise for a candid conversation about grief, resilience, dating after loss, aging with confidence, and embracing life’s next chapter. Kathy shares the story behind her journey to The Golden Bachelor, what she learned from stepping into the spotlight in her 70s, and why she believes life is far from over after 50. She opens up about losing her husband of 46 years to suicide, the healing process that followed, and how she transformed heartbreak into hope for herself and others. You’ll also hear Kathy’s refreshing take on dating after 50, strength training, menopause, self-confidence, women supporting women, and why gratitude has become her secret to living a joyful life. This episode is filled with wisdom, laughter, honesty, and powerful reminders that some of life’s greatest chapters begin after our hardest seasons. Topics discussed: • The Golden Bachelor • Bachelor in Paradise • Dating after 50 • Dating after widowhood • Grief and healing • Suicide loss survivor • Reinvention after 50 • Strength training for women • Aging with confidence • Mental health awareness • Finding purpose after loss Resources & Links: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/] Connect with Kathy Swarts: Instagram [https://instagram.com/kbswarts]

What If God Is Waiting for You to Call? Brandy Mussman on Prayer, Motherhood & Faith

Finding God When You Don’t Know Where to Start with Brandy Mussman How do you build a relationship with God when you didn’t grow up with a clear spiritual path? In this heartfelt episode of Over 50 Shades of Great, Deborah sits down with longtime friend, mother, wellness advocate, and spiritual mentor Brandy Mussman for a powerful conversation about faith, prayer, motherhood, emotional healing, and learning to trust the divine. As a new mother, Deborah shares her desire to create a spiritual foundation for her daughter while navigating her own evolving relationship with God. Together, she and Brandy explore how prayer can become a daily practice, why spirituality doesn’t require perfection, and how parents can introduce faith to their children through love, intention, and example. Brandy shares her personal journey of discovering prayer, how she prays over her daughters each day, and why she believes healing is an active pursuit that requires both self-awareness and faith. In this episode, we discuss: • How to start praying when you don’t know what to say• Developing a personal relationship with God• Praying for your children’s protection and guidance• Parenting with faith and intention• Emotional healing and releasing hidden blocks• Why healing is a lifelong journey• Finding peace during life’s uncertainties• The connection between faith, resilience, and personal growth Whether you’re a parent, exploring spirituality for the first time, or simply looking for more connection and meaning in your life, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and hope. If you’ve ever wondered, “What if God is waiting for me to call?” this episode is for you.