The 50+ Nomad Podcast

No More 25,000-Word Posts

Today’s post is about practising the thing that moves you closer to the result you want. For me, the result I want right now is more engagement on my daily posts. And the thing I need to practise to get there is brevity. Because even the most interesting content in the world gets skipped if it’s too unwieldy and we’ve got more important things to focus on. So this is a post about writing a post that’s 500 words or less. Brevity has never been my forte. I talk too much, write too much, waffle on too much (my husband calls it going on like a pork chop — not sure what pork chops have to do with it 🤷🏻‍♀️). My webinars or workshops always have 10 points instead of 1. And I usually end up overwhelming & confusing my audience instead of leaving them with a memorable takeaway. Here’s an example of a post I wrote about how we built our Amazon business [https://theworkingtraveller.com/amazon-fba-business/]. I don’t expect you to read it all, it’s 12,500 words long! That’s just one blog post. I wrote another one about starting a blog (no longer live - needs updating) which was 25,000 words long! That’s a book! (Note to self - turn the draft into a small book Jo! 💡) When my daughter told me she had a 4000 word essay she had to write for school my reaction was a smirk & ‘That’s just a pen stroke, before morning coffee’ (yeah that went down well 😉). But my goal with my daily posts here is to write short meaningful, entertaining, engaging, informative, sometimes educational posts that you enjoy reading each day. Not war and peace that you skip or shove in your ‘later’ file because you don’t have time to read. What’s the point in me writing if you don’t have the time to read! So. My goal is to shorten my general daily posts. Kill my darlings as the saying goes. Say only what needs saying. Keep my points short, make one observation per post and stay around 500 words or less. Which will take you approximately 3-4 mins to read. I want my daily posts to become a must read. A daily dose of Jo. Something fun, amusing, interesting, inspiring, insightful or encouraging. Something you read because you know it’s going to brighten your day, make you think about something differently, or give you the courage to take some action. So that’s what I’ll be practicing. Writing short, engaging posts that become ‘easy must reads’ every day. (I can’t guarantee I’ll always be successful, but I will be trying!) What result do you want? What/how are you practicing to make it happen? Let me know in the comments below & let’s cheer each other on! Ok how have I done? 469 words! Yipppee! I look forward to chatting in the comments. See you tomorrow (483 😉) Think you’re too old to start again? Says who? Paid members get the full Backpack toolkit [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/p/the-50-nomad-backpack-your-toolkit] ($500+ of templates, guides and frameworks), a members-only chat where nobody thinks you’re daft for starting now, and monthly live calls where you get your questions answered and yourself unstuck. It all costs less than a questionable airport sandwich, and it lasts a good deal longer. Get full access to The 50+ Nomad at club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

How to Stay Strong, Healthy & Energised After 50

What does healthy aging actually look like when you’re over 50 and still travelling, building things, and living life fully? In this episode, I’m joined by naturopath, long-time nomad, and founder of Power Aging Women, Judy Seeger, who at 68 is living proof that strength, mobility, and energy don’t have to fade with age. We talk honestly about the stuff many of us are quietly worried about — metabolic health, weight gain, hormones, sleep, brain health, fatigue, supplements, and how to stay well when you’re constantly on the move. It’s a grounded conversation about the small habits that help you stay strong, energised, and able to keep exploring the world. If you want your next 10–20 years to feel strong, mobile, and free, this conversation will give you a lot to think about, and even more to do. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why movement and strength matter more than diet alone after 50, and why walking isn’t enough * The link between muscle, oxygen, brain health, and mobility as we age * Practical ways to stay strong, mobile, and energised while travelling * How hormones, liver health, alcohol, and detoxing affect energy, weight, and migraines * Simple, realistic strategies for sleep, jet lag, and recovery on the road * Judy’s no-nonsense essentials for healthy aging: supplements, routines, and mindset Key Takeaway Healthy aging after 50 doesn’t require complicated routines or endless health rules. A few consistent habits make the biggest difference. Move daily. Build strength. Eat simply and earlier. Sleep with intention. Support your body instead of fighting it. And most importantly, decide that you are worth prioritising in this season of life. Time-Stamped Guide * 00:00 Welcome + why this conversation matters for 50+ nomads * 02:30 What “power aging” really means (and why Judy shifted from longevity) * 04:30 Why fear of pain and discomfort holds women back from movement * 06:10 Strength training on the road: resistance bands, routines, and mindset * 08:30 The link between quad strength, oxygen, and brain health * 10:30 What a naturopath actually does (and why lifestyle matters most) * 13:00 Why inactivity is as damaging as smoking — and what to do instead * 16:00 Food timing, metabolism, and eating for energy after 50 * 20:20 Hormones, alcohol, detoxing, and why the liver matters * 23:30 Saunas, sweating, dry brushing, and toxin release * 27:30 Migraines, circulation, and simple hot/cold techniques * 31:00 Sleep routines, eye masks, light exposure, and nomad realities * 35:40 Beating jet lag with food, sunlight, and timing * 40:30 Minimal supplements for travellers (what’s essential, what’s not) * 51:00 Mindset, community, and the promise women must make to themselves Resources & Links Mentioned * Power Aging Women [https://poweragingwomen.com] — Judy’s platform, podcast, and programs👉 * Your Brain After 50: The Signals & Changes Women Shouldn't Ignore [https://forms.gle/Cw3PzU2Sgo3LNvhw9] on Thursday,March 12th, 12pm EST (New York Time) * Free guide: 7 Must-Haves for Healthy Aging [https://poweragingwomen.com] Join the Conversation What’s one habit from this episode you’re willing to commit to this week — more movement, better sleep, eating earlier, or simply putting yourself first? Share your takeaway in the comments and let’s keep this conversation going. Important Health Disclaimer This podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The views shared are based on personal experience and professional background but should not replace consultation with your GP, specialist, or qualified healthcare provider. Always seek professional advice before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, supplements, or medical treatment, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking prescribed medication. Get full access to The 50+ Nomad at club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Sacred Business Stories w/ Jo Barnes

Get full access to The 50+ Nomad at club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The 4 Micro Hustles I’m Building This Year (And Why They Work So Well After 50)

In this episode of The 50+ Nomad Podcast, I’m walking you through the four micro hustles I’m personally building this year, based on what I’m actually doing right now. After 15+ years online and building everything from newsletters to digital courses, coaching businesses and seven-figure e-commerce brands, I’ve become very intentional about how I work, especially at this stage of life. These are business models that travel well, don’t demand 24/7 intensity, and layer together to fund a freedom-filled, travel-led life after 50, without burning you out or trapping you behind a laptop. If you’re multi-passionate, starting over, or simply want income that supports your life instead of consuming it, this episode will help you see how micro hustles can connect rather than compete. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * What I really mean by micro hustles (and why they are proper businesses, not hobbies) * Why starting with subscribers, not products, is the smartest move after 50 * How to layer income slowly and intentionally instead of doing everything at once * Why small, focused digital products outperform big “life-changing” courses now * How cohorts, group coaching, and text-based support create momentum without burnout * Why physical products can be powerful if you don’t want to be the brand * How all four models work together under one clear audience and outcome Key Takeaway Start with one micro hustle, get it working, then add the next when the timing feels right. Don’t try to do everything at once! Time-Stamped Guide * 00:00 Welcome + recording from London * 00:02 Why I now choose businesses that travel well and don’t demand 24/7 intensity * 00:04 What I actually mean by a micro hustle (and what it isn’t) * 00:06 Why focus first, then diversify (and the quote I still remember years later) Micro Hustle #1: Newsletter & Subscribers * 00:06 Why everything starts with subscribers * 00:07 How Substack makes audience-building simpler * 00:08 Paid newsletters as early confidence and momentum * 00:09 How writing helps you clarify who your audience really is * 00:12 Subscribers first, products second Micro Hustle #2: Mini Products, Courses & Cohorts * 00:12 Why big transformational courses are losing effectiveness * 00:13 One problem, one solution, one clear outcome * 00:14 Examples of small, useful digital products that still sell * 00:16 Why cohorts work so well (and how they’ve evolved) * 00:18 How newsletters naturally lead into products and cohorts Micro Hustle #3: Group Coaching, Community & Text-Based Support * 00:19 Why group coaching beats one-to-one for energy and scale * 00:20 How simple paid coaching offers can work early on * 00:21 Text-based coaching via email, WhatsApp or voice notes * 00:22 Layering coaching after cohorts for ongoing support * 00:23 Why I’m using this model myself this year Micro Hustle #4: Physical Products & E-commerce * 00:24 Why I’m launching This Big World on Amazon * 00:24 The realities of Amazon FBA vs easier entry points like Etsy * 00:25 Print-on-demand as a lower-risk way to start * 00:26 Who This Big World is for and why I built it * 00:27 How the travel challenge cards work in real life * 00:29 Why physical products suit people who don’t want to be the brand Bringing It All Together * 00:30 How all four micro hustles connect under one umbrella * 00:31 Why this isn’t scattered, it’s layered * 00:31 Where to start if you’re just beginning * 00:32 Final thoughts on building income that adapts and travels Resources Mentioned in This Episode * My recent article: Why London Is the Greatest City on the Planet [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/p/london-the-greatest-city-in-the-world?r=l1pi9] * The article I reference on creators building multiple streams of income [https://kit.com/resources/blog/creator-monetization] * My Substack newsletter: The 50+ Nomad [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe] * This Big World travel challenge cards [https://explore.thisbigworld.co/buynow] (Amazon launch) * Previous podcast episode on Etsy + print-on-demand jigsaw business [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/p/ep-4-how-to-turn-your-passions-into?r=l1pi9] Join the Conversation Which of the four micro hustles appeals to you most right now? Share where you’re starting, or what you’re layering next, and what one small step you’re committing to this week. And as always…Make it happen. Are you a fun-loving, spontaneous adventurer? If so, my new brand This Big World is designed for you! If you love saying yes to random adventures, my first product - ‘This Big Travel Challenge Cards’ - will spice up any trip (or any Tuesday, to be honest). 50 scratch-off adventure prompts that turn moments into memories you’ll remember forever! Order a dish you can’t pronounce. Explore streets starting with your initial. Find hidden spots that tourists miss. Whether you’re in Bangkok or your own backyard, each challenge takes 30 minutes to a few hours max. Perfect for adding spontaneous fun without derailing your plans. Grab a pack and scratch one off this weekend! Bonus: one pack also contains a $5,000 Golden Ticket travel credit voucher! Willy Wonka vibes. Very real prize! Get full access to The 50+ Nomad at club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

How to Make Your First $1,700 From an Audience of Just 500 (and turn it into job quitting income)

Do you want to make 2026 the year your Substack takes off? Then Dereks upcoming cohort is the perfect next step for you! Over 6 live sessions he’ll break down the steps he’s taken to not only grow his writing business, but to turn it into a money machine! He’ll walk you through how to write articles that grow subscribers, post notes that get noticed and turn your publication into a subscriber magnet. All with live coaching and plug and play templates so you’re not starting from a blank screen! If this conversation lit a fire and you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, it starts Monday! (12th). Click below for more details. The Substack Growth Map [http://jobarnes723--derekhughes.thrivecart.com/substack-growth-map] You may think that building a writing business means being naturally gifted, starting early, or somehow outsmarting the algorithm. Derek Hughes is proof that belief is a myth! In this episode, Derek shares how he started writing online with no audience, no background as a writer, and no real plan beyond getting his thoughts out of his head. Three years later, that experiment has grown into a successful writing business that’s allowed him to step back from full-time work. He tells us about the early months of writing to almost no one, the moment he nearly quit, the shock of losing income overnight when platforms changed, and why building and owning an email list became the foundation of everything that followed. This episode is about backing yourself before there’s evidence, staying in the game when nothing seems to be working, and trusting that consistent effort compounds in ways you can’t see at the start. If you’ve ever wondered whether your ideas, your experience, or your voice are enough, this conversation will leave you feeling fired up to get started (or keep going) and far more confident about what’s possible. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why most writers quit right before things start working * How focusing on inputs (not likes or views) changed everything for Derek * What actually made his writing “irresistible” — and it’s not talent * The reality of platform risk (Medium, Google, Substack) and how to protect yourself * Why your email list is your greatest business asset * How Derek made his first £1,700 from a simple digital product with just 500 subscribers * Why cohorts and live teaching are becoming more powerful than static courses * Why experience, age, and lived perspective are advantages, not obstacles Key Takeaway “If you focus on the inputs you can control and stay consistent long enough, something is going to happen.” - Derek Hughes Resources Mentioned * The Irresistible Writer on Substack [https://derekhughes.substack.com/] * Derek’s [http://jobarnes723--derekhughes.thrivecart.com/substack-growth-map]Substack Growth [http://jobarnes723--derekhughes.thrivecart.com/substack-growth-map] cohort (starting 12 January) [http://jobarnes723--derekhughes.thrivecart.com/substack-growth-map] * Email marketing platform Kit (formerly ConvertKit) * Writing influences: Nicolas Cole [https://substack.com/@nicolascole77], Tim Denning [https://substack.com/@timdenning?] Join the Conversation Are you putting the work and feeling like you’re posting to the void? What needs to happen for you to keep going and push through?? If you’re building a writing business (or any business or side hustle for that matter), this episode is a powerful reminder that tenacity and consistency are the name of the game! Harness your self belief, stay consistent and prepare yourself to stay in the game longer than you feel comfortable. Keep swinging my friend, eventually something will land! Share your biggest takeaway or question from this conversation and whether it’s given you what you need to keep showing up, trust the process, and build something that lasts, and be sure to sign up to Derek’s cohort program [http://jobarnes723--derekhughes.thrivecart.com/substack-growth-map] starting on Monday 12th. Make 2026 the year you do! Get full access to The 50+ Nomad at club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe [https://club.the50plusnomad.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]