Restart at Any Age!

Podcast #137 A compelling interview with photographer and activist Michelle Magdalena Maddox for Restart at Any Age, including questions on her pivots from her artistic life

In this powerful new episode of Restart at Any Age, I sat down with celebrated photographer and activist Michelle Magdalena Maddox. From being duped by the Brooks Institute’s misleading promises that left her with heavy student debt, to the heartbreaking loss of her father to cancer that sparked a profound pivot into activism for planetary healing, inclusive beauty, and community change — Michelle’s journey is one of remarkable courage. We explore her stunning photography (including My Ophelia in the Steinbeck Museum), her work with the Weston Collective and Juneteenth Coalition, her magazine Magdalena, and her appearance in the documentary Bohemian Soul. Recorded at the beautiful Chez Serendip sanctuary, this conversation is full of inspiration for anyone navigating their own restarts. Listen now and tell us: what pain in your life became fuel for positive change?  #RestartAtAnyAge #Photography #Activism #LifePivots"

Podcast # 136 Finding Your Dharma Despite Early Doubt, with Jill Schontag Career Councillor

Jill Schontag grew up in Oakland. In high school she was told she wasn’t smart enough. She believed it and chose a different path — a degree in Outdoor Recreation that she truly enjoyed. But the inner flame never died. She eventually became the Career Counselor she was always meant to be. In this episode we explore the psychology of restarts: overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and discouraging advice. We discuss reconnecting with your dharma and practical tools like assessments and mindset shifts. Jill helps people through midlife changes, retirement, feeling stuck, and more. What struck me most: how many lives are quietly redirected from their true path by the wrong words? If someone ever told you that you weren’t enough — this is your reminder. That inner voice is still there. It’s never too late.  #RestartAtAnyAge #FindYourDharma #CareerCounseling #MidlifeReinvention

Podcast# 135 PFM: How Skydiving, Heartbreak & Flying Led to Pure F’ing Magic an interview with Kathy Julien

“If I can jump out of a plane, I can do anything.” From skydiving legend to airline pilot to author — this week’s guest proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Tune in for raw resilience, grief, joy, and why she still believes life is Pure F’ing Magic #Surviving#Sky Diving # Never too old # Monterey Bay# Flying#Women pilots#Another Empty Kitchen# Author

Episode#134 What it takes to free Whales from Entanglement!

She gave up a thriving business to save whales — and never looked back. At 41, Peggy Stap had one life-changing encounter with a humpback and let that passion take over everything. Today she runs Marine Life Studies and leads the Whale Entanglement Team, rescuing whales off California.Her story of total life pivot and unwavering dedication is here to listen to! #LifePivot #SecondAct #WhaleRescue #WomenInConservation

Podcast #133 A conversation with Alesa Lightbourne — the real-life Badass Grandma!

What if your life could explode with adventure at any age? Meet Alesa Lightbourne — the real-life Badass Grandma! In 1976 she escaped Jamaica with many of the middle class as civil war loomed, sailing the Caribbean as a political refugee with a newborn baby. She lived with Bedouins in Saudi Arabia, moved to Kurdish Iraq at 58 on a dare from her son, reconnected with a college flame on Facebook 40 years later (“Pay up, girl”), cared for him through terminal illness, and is now an award-winning author of Kurdish Bike. and the author of Badass Grandma! Her story proves it’s never too late for bold pivots, courage, and wonder. We dive into refugee escapes, late-life adventures, second-chance love, caregiving, and what being a “Badass” really means after 60. If you’re 40, 50, 60+ and feel stuck — this is for you. ❤️ Like or comment if she inspires you! #BadassGrandma #NeverTooLate #LifePivots #Courage #SecondAct