Encore: Navigating Loss Journeys in Midlife: A Conversation with Dr. Alicia Farrell

Honoring 250 Years of Legacy

In this special solo episode of Her Next Act, Joan shares a brief personal update and takes listeners behind the scenes of a milestone that has been generations in the making. While Her Next Act typically features inspiring conversations with women navigating reinvention, purpose, and new beginnings, this week Joan is stepping away from her regular interview format to focus on an extraordinary family celebration: the 250th anniversary of The Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut. Known affectionately as "The Gris," The Griswold Inn has welcomed guests since 1776 and remains one of America's most historic inns. As a family-owned hospitality business, this landmark anniversary represents far more than a celebration of history. It is a reflection of stewardship, community, entrepreneurship, and the responsibility of preserving something meaningful for future generations. In this episode, Joan shares: • Why she made the intentional decision to pause this week's guest interview • The story behind The Griswold Inn's remarkable 250-year legacy • What it means to balance coaching, podcasting, and a family business  • The challenges and rewards of preparing for a once-in-a-generation celebration • A reminder that sometimes the most productive thing we can do is pause, reflect, and fully show up for what matters most Whether you're building a business, honoring a family legacy, navigating a busy season, or simply considering your own next act, this short reflection offers an honest glimpse into the realities of leadership, stewardship, and embracing important life moments. Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul Website: https://hernextact.com/ [https://hernextact.com/] instagram: @hernextact [https://www.instagram.com/hernextact] facebook: @joanpaul [https://www.facebook.com/joan.paul.9843499] The Griswold Inn [https://griswoldinn.com] Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now! xojoan

Encore: Navigating Loss Journeys in Midlife: A Conversation with Dr. Alicia Farrell

In this episode of HER NEXT ACT ~ Right Here, Right Now, host Joan Paul is in conversation with cognitive psychologist Dr. Alicia Farrell for a second time on the podcast. In this episode they share personal stories of loss and resilience, setting the stage for insightful discussions. They explore how various types of loss, from identity and purpose to the death of loved ones, affect our lives and how resilience can be nurtured. The conversation delves into strategies for processing grief, the importance of expressing negative emotions, and how seemingly insurmountable challenges can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Dr. Farrell offers practical advice on desensitizing to discomfort and taking steps towards a fulfilling life, punctuated by a personal anecdote that highlights the healing power of humor.  Episode Highlights: ➔ Different Types of Loss and Their Impact ➔ Strategies for Thriving After Loss ➔ The Role of Resilience in Coping with Loss ➔ Grieving the Loss of What Could Have Been ➔ Overcoming Regret and Finding New Passions ➔ Desensitizing to Discomfort and Change ➔ The Power of Humor in Healing ➔ Embracing Possibility and Moving Forward Connect with Dr. Alicia Farrell: Website: https://aliciafarrellphd.com/ [https://aliciafarrellphd.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciafarrellphd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciafarrellphd/] Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul Website: https://hernextact.com/ [https://hernextact.com/] instagram: @hernextact [https://www.instagram.com/hernextact] facebook: @joanpaul [https://www.facebook.com/joan.paul.9843499] The Griswold Inn [https://griswoldinn.com] Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now! xojoan

Her Next Act: Storytelling with Impact

In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan Paul sits down with award-winning playwright, author, and lyricist Robin Pullen to explore how curiosity, creativity, and collaboration can fuel a thriving second act well into your 60s and beyond. If you've ever quietly held onto a childhood dream, or wondered whether it's too late, this conversation will encourage you to start. This episode is a beautiful reminder that creativity has no expiration date, and that the dreams we tuck away in childhood often have a way of finding us again, more vividly and when we collaborate we can finally bring them to life. What You'll Learn in This Episode:  → How childhood dreams often re-emerge later in life when we have the space to pursue them  → Why it's never too late to reach for something you've always wanted to do  → The power of telling overlooked stories, especially those of women in history  → How collaboration with other creatives can amplify your work and give you courage  → How to build community around your work and use it as a force for good  → How curiosity is the secret to staying vibrant, no matter your age About Robin: Robin Pullen is an award-winning playwright, lyricist, and author whose work spans children's musicals, plays, and picture books. A retired special education and gifted teacher for over 3 decades, Robin is the creator of the play Cows in a Snowstorm; Caro's Comet, a musical and picture book celebrating astronomer Caroline Herschel, and Amelia the Island, a chapter book and musical honoring the rich history of Amelia Island, Florida. Her latest project, Wild Women of Amelia, debuts in March 2027 at Amelia Musical Playhouse and has grown into a community-driven movement supporting women-led charities. Robin believes deeply in the power of stories to inspire children, build community, and empower women of every age to step into what's next. Website: https://pullenplaywright.com/ [https://pullenplaywright.com/] Books: Amelia, The Island: https://storyandsongarts.org/bookstore/kids-young-adults/ [https://storyandsongarts.org/bookstore/kids-young-adults/] Caro's Comet: The Celestial Cinderella: can be found wherever you buy books If this episode spoke to you, follow Her Next Act so you don't miss upcoming conversations designed to support you through life's transitions and help you step into what's next. And if you know someone who's been quietly holding onto a creative dream, share this episode with them, it might be exactly the encouragement they need to start. Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul Website: https://hernextact.com/ [https://hernextact.com/] instagram: @hernextact [https://www.instagram.com/hernextact] facebook: @joanpaul [https://www.facebook.com/joan.paul.9843499] The Griswold Inn [https://griswoldinn.com] Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now! xojoan

A Gap Year to Inspire Your Next Act

In conversation with Lindsey Goldstein, author of Gap Year  In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan Paul sits down with author Lindsey Goldstein to explore what it really means to start over in midlife. If you’ve ever wondered who you are beyond the roles you’ve held, mother, partner, professional this conversation will resonate deeply. Lindsey shares the story behind her debut novel Gap Year, a powerful reflection on identity, reinvention, and the courage it takes to follow the quiet pull of “what if.” Together, Joan and Lindsey dive into the emotional and practical realities of midlife transitions from empty nest to career shifts to unexpected life changes and how those moments can become the beginning of something new. This episode is a reminder that even when life feels uncertain, it may actually be opening the door to something more aligned, more meaningful, and more you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: → Why midlife transitions often spark identity questions and how to navigate them → The emotional impact of empty nest, career shifts, and relationship changes → How to reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been set aside → Why it’s never too late to pursue something you’ve always wanted to do → How travel, space, and stepping outside your routine can lead to clarity → The power of listening to your inner voice—even without a clear plan About the Guest: Lindsey Goldstein is the author of the debut novel Gap Year, a story centered on midlife reinvention, identity, and the courage to begin again. With a background in physical therapy and storytelling, her work is deeply inspired by real-life experiences, human connection, and the belief that it’s never too late to change your path. Connect with Lindsey: Website: https://www.lindseygoldsteinauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldsteinlindsey/ Substack: lindseygoldstein.substack.com If this episode spoke to you, follow Her Next Act so you don’t miss upcoming conversations designed to support you through life’s transitions and help you step into what’s next. And if you know someone navigating a season of change, share this episode with them it might be exactly what they need to hear. Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul Website: https://hernextact.com/ [https://hernextact.com/] instagram: @hernextact [https://www.instagram.com/hernextact] facebook: @joanpaul [https://www.facebook.com/joan.paul.9843499] The Griswold Inn [https://griswoldinn.com] Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now! xojoan

Living in Alignment: How Our Homes Shape Change with Kim Costa

What if the life you’re trying to create starts with the space you’re living in? In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan sits down with Kim Costa, realtor, author, and creator of the Wheel House™ method, to explore how our homes shape not only how we live, but who we become. Kim’s journey is a powerful example of what it looks like to realign your life from the inside out. From working decades in a career that didn’t fit, to rebuilding her life in midlife and stepping into work that feels deeply purposeful, she shares how clarity often comes after we pause long enough to listen. Together, they explore the connection between environment, identity, and possibility, and why your home may be the missing piece in your next chapter. This conversation is a reminder that your next act isn’t just about what you do… it’s about where and how you choose to live. If you’ve been feeling stuck, misaligned, or unsure what’s next, this episode will invite you to look closer at the space around you, and what it’s quietly asking you to change. Episode Highlights: ➔ How your home environment influences your emotions, decisions, and sense of possibility ➔ Kim’s pivotal moment of realizing she had been living out of alignment for decades ➔ The role of life transitions (divorce, empty nesting, career shifts) in redefining what “home” means ➔ Why many women struggle to answer the question, “What do I want?” and how to begin exploring it ➔ The concept of “Stay, Go, or Reno” and how to evaluate whether your current home supports your next chapter ➔ How creating the right environment can help you heal, rebuild, and step into a more aligned life ➔ Moving through fear, resistance, and imposter syndrome when stepping into something new Find out more about Kim Costa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.e.costa/ [https://www.instagram.com/kim.e.costa/] Website: https://www.lifestylefoundations.com/ [https://www.lifestylefoundations.com/] Book: Live in Your Wheel House™ Available from any online retailer and through independent bookstores Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul Website: https://hernextact.com/ [https://hernextact.com/] instagram: @hernextact [https://www.instagram.com/hernextact] facebook: @joanpaul [https://www.facebook.com/joan.paul.9843499] The Griswold Inn [https://griswoldinn.com] Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now! xojoan