Is midlife really a crisis—or have we just been telling ourselves the wrong story?

In this inspiring episode, Michael O’Brien sits down with Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy and author of Learning to Love Midlife, to reframe everything we’ve been taught about aging, identity, and what it means to thrive in our 40s, 50s, and beyond. From surviving near-death to building a purpose-driven second half, Chip shares how embracing vulnerability, awe, and emotional intelligence leads to deeper fulfillment in midlife.

• Discover why midlife is actually a powerful chrysalis stage—not a crisis—and how to navigate it with intention.
• Learn the emotional and psychological science behind why life satisfaction increases after 50.
• Explore how to own your wisdom, embrace change, and create the life you want in the second half.

Take a deep breath and start seeing your midlife not as a breakdown—but as a breakthrough moment that can change everything.

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With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.