Restart at Any Age!

If you think a painful divorce can ruin your life forever, you need to hear how Damaris Devito turned heartbreak into her most joyful chapter yet.

I’m excited to welcome Damaris Devito — a woman whose creative journey has taken many inspiring turns. Born in New York, she attended the renowned Fame School (Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts), earned a master’s in speech-language pathology, and built a life that includes Bay Area theater, speech therapy, and now a joyful return to singing. After a sudden divorce, she rediscovered her voice through open mics, bands, and performing across genres. Now retired early at 59, she’s singing in restaurants, wineries, and busking — and she’s incredibly happy. Today we’ll explore her full story of restarting at any age.

Podcast# 140 Jeanette Bent returns! Revealing the drive to overcome and win!

This is the inspiring second half of my conversation with Jeanette Bent. Right after losing her position at KION News Channel (where she earned an Emmy nomination for her powerful coverage of the Moss Landing Fire), she turned that shock into action — creating The 831 Substack within a week. If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, please listen to it first. It sets the perfect foundation for where this episode goes next. In Part 2 we explore the rapid birth of The 831, how Jeanette channeled that sudden change into something meaningful, and her powerful work on her novel Dark Star: Reclaiming Lilith — a bold story of reclamation and strength. This is pure proof that reinvention can happen fast when you’re ready. Jeanette’s story is warm, resilient, and full of creative fire — exactly the kind of pivot energy we all need. Exciting news: Chez Serendip is launching special fundraising dinners for The 831 at the end of summer — stay tuned for details! 👉 Press play and get inspired to create your own next chapter. Share it with someone who’s facing change right now. What’s one small step you could take this week toward your own reinvention? Tell me in the comments — I read every one. #Chez Serendip # Santa Cruz Radio #The 831 Substack # Restart at Any Age

Podcast # 139 All that you should know on the Monterrey Bay with veterinarian Michelle McCune

Really enjoyed this conversation with Michelle. Her knowledge of the Monterey Bay coast and its wildlife — particularly the elephant seals at Año Nuevo — is impressive. We talk conservation successes, current challenges, and how getting outside can lead to wonderful new paths (including possible art safaris in South Africa or Kenya!). Great listen for anyone who loves the coast or is thinking about their own restart. #Monterrey Bay#Elephant Seals #Underwater Canyons #Art in Kenya# Art in South Africa#Whale Tours# Pacific Coast#Restart at Any Age

Podcast # 138 Feast your ears on Jeanette Bent (Part one)

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Santa Cruz powerhouse Jeanette Bent — performer, journalist, publisher, choreographer, and creative visionary with over 30 years of blending worlds most people keep separate. From anchoring news at KION and leading editorial teams at Good Times Santa Cruz to choreographing aerial arts and immersive performances on cruise ships, theme parks, and stages across the globe… Jeanette has mastered the art of reinvention. Today she’s the co-founder, editor, and publisher of The 831, founder/director of Stellaria Creative Company (immersive events, visual literature, musical theatre, comics & more), and the author of the mythic fantasy epic Dark Star: Reclaiming Lilith. We dive into her bold career pivots, the courage it takes to fuse performance with journalism and entrepreneurship, what inspired her latest book, and wisdom for anyone ready to restart or combine their multiple passions. This episode is packed with inspiration, local pride, and practical insights on creative living and resilience. Whether you’re navigating your own life transition or love stories of women who refuse to be boxed in, you won’t want to miss it!  Share with someone who’s ready for their next chapter! #RestartAtAnyAge #SantaCruzCreatives #The831 #DarkStarReclaimingLilith #LifePivots #WomenWhoCreate #SecondActs

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"