Feeling a bit stuck or wondering if there's more to life than just work? Then this episode is just the ticket! I had a heart-to-heart with the fabulous Diana Dupont, a woman who traded in her museum curator hat for a life filled with horses, dogs, and so much more. Together, we explore the moment when something inside stirs, urging you to step out of your comfort zone. Diana's journey is all about facing fears, embracing new passions, and discovering that it's totally okay to redefine yourself at any age. She talks about her beloved horse, Blackie, and how that relationship opened up a whole new world for her. It’s a delightful mix of laughter and introspection as we discuss how our furry friends can teach us about love, loyalty, and living authentically. So grab your favorite drink and get comfy, because this conversation is all about realizing that life can be a beautiful adventure if we just dare to follow our hearts!

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Support Boomer Banter with Buy Me A Coffee
2. Learn more about Diana and her book on her website
3. Check out Women Entrepreneurs Over 50: Work Less, Make More, Do What you Love

Ever wondered why sleep seems to elude us as we age? Well, grab your coffee, or maybe some herbal tea, because this week’s episode of Boomer Banter is all about sleep style and how it impacts our later years.

I had a fabulous chat with Sally Duplantier, a super smart gerontologist who’s here to sprinkle some wisdom on our sleep struggles. We explored the fascinating world of sleep chronotypes – we’re talking Lions, Bears, Wolves, and Dolphins! Each one has its unique quirks and styles that can help us understand our sleep patterns better.

Sally broke down the science behind sleep and aging, explaining how our bodies change and adapt. She effortlessly debunked common myths about aging and sleep, reminding us that it's completely normal to experience shifts in our sleep patterns as we grow older. We also talked about the importance of good sleep hygiene, like establishing a calming bedtime routine, and why it’s crucial for our mental and physical health.

We delved into the importance of understanding our individual sleep needs and how to create an optimal sleep environment. Sally’s tips were practical, relatable, and sprinkled with a bit of humor that made the whole topic feel less daunting.

So, if you’ve been tossing and turning at night or just want to learn how to better embrace sleep as a part of aging well, this episode is packed with all the insights you need to hit the hay with a smile!

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Join the Boomer Banter Circle community
2. Take the quiz to find out your sleep animal
3. Women Over 50 Entrepreneurs: Make More, Work Less, Do what you Love
4. Wellness Wednesday

Mentioned in this episode:

greenwoodcapital.com

Feeling useful and finding friendships is critically important as we age, and today we're diving right into that! We’re chatting about how maintaining a sense of meaning and connecting with others can seriously boost our health and happiness. I’m excited to share two interactive training programs that I’ve been working on, designed to help folks discover what they have to offer and how to build those meaningful connections. We’re not just sitting around listening; we’re getting hands-on and having fun digging into these topics together. So, if you’re looking to feel more connected and useful in this chapter of life, stick around because we’ve got a lot to explore!

Takeaways:

1. Feeling useful and connected is critically important for our health and happiness as we age.
2. Finding meaning and social connections directly impact our physical and mental health.
3. Engaging in community and sharing experiences can significantly enhance life satisfaction.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Boomer Banter website
2. Women Entrepreneurs Over 50: Making More, Working Less, Doing What you Love

When a family faces the challenges of autism, every member can feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. In this heartfelt episode, Wendy Green and Theresa Lyons, Ph.D. discuss the crucial role grandparents play in supporting their grandchildren diagnosed with autism.

With a focus on communication and understanding, Theresa shares her journey as both a scientist and a parent, highlighting the emotional and practical hurdles families encounter. The episode emphasizes that grandparents should come from a place of curiosity rather than certainty—it's about asking the right questions, like how they can provide help without overstepping boundaries.

Theresa explains the importance of recognizing the spectrum of autism, detailing how different children exhibit diverse behaviors and needs. By offering insights into how grandparents can observe changes and share concerns effectively, the conversation provides tools for building stronger family connections.

Wendy and Theresa’s warm banter, filled with relatable anecdotes and practical advice, turns a daunting subject into a manageable conversation. They encourage listeners to embrace love and support as the guiding principles in navigating the complexities of autism within families.

Takeaways:

1. Grandparents should approach conversations about autism with curiosity and compassion to foster better understanding.
2. Understanding the spectrum of autism helps in knowing the diverse needs of grandchildren diagnosed with it.
3. It's crucial for grandparents to learn about autism to effectively support their stressed adult children.
4. 
   

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Email Theresa at: [email protected]
2. Theresa Lyon's website awetism.net
3. An additional resource: https://navigatingawetism.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

greenwoodcapital.com

Wendy Green’s chat with Meg Groff on Boomer Banter is a must-listen for anyone who thinks that their time for making a difference has passed. Meg's journey from a 37-year-old law student to an impactful attorney is nothing short of inspiring.

As she shares her experiences of helping people escape domestic violence situations, she sheds light on the gaps in our legal system—especially regarding child safety in custody arrangements. The episode also touches on the myths surrounding domestic violence, such as the idea that it's a private matter or that only certain demographics experience it.

Through laughter and serious discourse, Meg’s passion shines through, making it clear that she’s not just a lawyer; she’s a warrior for justice. Her advocacy for Kayden's Law highlights the necessity of systemic changes to protect children from dangerous custody scenarios.

This episode serves as a rallying cry for activism at any age, encouraging all of us to keep fighting for what’s right, no matter when we start. Meg’s story proves that it’s never too late to make an impact—and that every voice matters in the fight for justice.

Takeaways:

1. Meg Groff is an advocate for justice, and at 82-years-old she is still championing laws to protect children in custody disputes.
2. Her journey from being a struggling student to saving lives is truly inspiring and motivating.
3. Domestic violence is a serious societal issue that needs more awareness and understanding, not dismissive attitudes.
4. It is Never Too Late to make a difference. You can find ways to get involved.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. meggroff.com
2. National Family Violence Law Center
3. National Safe Parents Organization
4. Kayden's Law, officially known as the Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence Act
5. Wellness Wednesday with Sally Duplantier

Aging can feel like a wild ride, right? One minute you’re bopping along, feeling youthful and vibrant, and the next you’re staring at a reflection that’s more ‘who is that?’ than ‘hey, look at me!’

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive deep into why that happens and how our brains evolve as we age, gaining wisdom and emotional stability. Our host, Wendy Green, shares some sage words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. about keeping hope alive through the disappointments that life throws at us.

She gets real about the stories we tell ourselves as we age and how those narratives can shape our self-image. We explore the positivity effect, which is all about how our brains get better at focusing on what matters and letting go of the trivial as we grow older. Imagine trading in that pesky anxiety for a newfound sense of calm and perspective; sounds pretty sweet, right?

Wendy encourages us to reframe our self-talk and focus on how we feel rather than how we look. So, the next time you catch a glimpse in the mirror, remember: it's not just about the wrinkles; it’s about the wisdom behind them!

Takeaways:

1. Aging can bring about changes in our self-image, but it doesn't have to be negative as we gain perspective and wisdom from our experiences.
2. Our brains evolve as we age, enhancing our emotional regulation and patience, allowing for a more thoughtful response to life's challenges.
3. The stories we tell ourselves about aging often come from societal influences, but we can choose to redefine our self-image positively.
4. As we grow older, it's crucial to focus on how we live and what we value in ourselves, rather than just how we look.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Learn all about Wendy's coaching at heyboomer.biz
2. Schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with Wendy

Let’s get real – marriage isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it can feel more like a roommate situation, especially after years of living together. In this episode, we welcome the wonderful Dr. Liz Jenkins, who brings some serious wisdom on how to navigate those tricky waters. We chat about how common it is for couples to lose that initial connection, and Dr. Liz gives us the scoop on her book, “The Marriage Reset”. She outlines her five-step process to help couples reconnect, including ways to re-establish trust and open up those lines of communication. If you’re ready to ditch that roommate vibe in your marriage and bring back the spark, you’ll want to tune in!

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT:

1. Join the Banter Circle or learn more.
2. Check out Wellness Wednesdays led by gerontologist Sally Duplantier
3. You can find Dr. Liz Jenkins and all of her resources on her website.

What if retirement isn't about winding down—it's about waking up?

At 81, business mentor Patricia Noel Drain is living proof that your best work might still be ahead of you.

This conversation is for anyone who knows they are not finished yet, but feels unclear about how to begin again.

1. Why traditional retirement does not work for everyone
2. How your experience can guide your next chapter without starting from scratch
3. The idea that your gift is already your niche
4. Why midlife and beyond can feel like a waking up, not a winding down
5. The Dr. Phil tape measure story and what it reveals about time and intention
6. Why women often struggle to charge for their knowledge and how to set healthier boundaries
7. Ageism, visibility, and owning your relevance at any age

Patricia Noel Drain - Author of 14 books, business mentor, and host of the new podcast Women Entrepreneurs Over 50 Who Want to Work Less, Make More, Doing What They Love (launching January 7, 2026)

Patricia Noel Drain is offering 10 listeners a complimentary 15-minute Paradigm Strategy Session to help clarify what is next.

Email Patricia at [email protected] and let her know you heard about this offer on Boomer Banter.

Learn more at https://www.patriciadrain.com

Wendy Green invites you to join the Boomer Banter Circle, a monthly virtual community for meaningful conversation about aging well. ($25/month)

Join here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413

Invitation to check out Wellness Wednesday, with host gerontologist, Sally Duplantier. These free and recorded webinars feature experts on topics about healthy aging. Visit MyZingLife.com to learn more.

Bottom line: Midlife isn't the end of something—it's the beginning of your most authentic chapter.

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we tackle the often confusing world of nutrition with Dr. Randall Hansen, who reveals how our perceptions of food have been shaped by outdated science and marketing gimmicks.

The discussion centers around the concept of healthspan – the idea that we should prioritize living well over simply living long. Dr. Hansen illustrates how the food landscape has changed, particularly since the 1950s, leading us to make poor dietary choices that impact our health.

With a focus on real, whole foods and a lifestyle that incorporates movement and connection, listeners are encouraged to rethink their eating habits. The episode is packed with humor and relatable anecdotes, making it not just informative but also a fun listen. By the end, we’re left with practical strategies to cut out the sugar and processed foods that have sneaked into our diets, urging us to reconnect with the basics of nutrition that nourish and sustain us.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explore what really supports longevity and health span as we age.
• We discuss how confusing nutrition advice has led to misunderstandings about food and health.
• Dr. Hansen emphasizes the importance of healthy fats and proteins in our diets.
• We learn that sugar can be toxic, leading to chronic inflammation and various health issues.
• The podcast highlights the significance of movement and weight training for both physical and mental health.
• Listeners are encouraged to cook at home more and eat mindfully to improve overall health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Visit Dr. Randall Hansen's website
• Check out Older Women & Friends
• Schedule a 30-minute Complimentary Session with me
• Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green dives deep into the often elusive and much-needed state of sleep. Teaming up with the insightful Marie Sennett, they explore the common sleep issues that plague so many of you. With humor and relatability, Wendy sets the stage by asking how many listeners actually get a good night's sleep, revealing that many hands remain down. Marie shares her own nighttime struggles from her days as a civil rights attorney, illustrating just how stressful and chaotic life can be, and the toll it takes on our ability to rest.

As the conversation flows, Wendy and Marie unveil the science behind sleep cycles and the changes your bodies undergo as you age. They tackle how hormonal shifts can disrupt your sleep patterns, and Marie emphasizes the importance of establishing a consistent sleep routine. You will learn about the four main sleep cycles, from light sleep to REM, and why each is vital for health and wellbeing. Marie advises on creating a calming sleep environment—think dark, cool, and peaceful—and offers tips for preparing the body for rest, such as gentle yoga stretches or winding down with soothing teas.

Filled with laughter and wisdom, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone wishing to reclaim their restful nights. Whether it's laying off the late-night TV or creating a sleep haven, Wendy and Marie equip you with everything you need to transform your approach to sleep. By the end, you’ll feel inspired to embrace restful nights and rejuvenated mornings, ready to tackle whatever life throws your way!

Takeaways:

• Myth buster! After 50, we still need seven to nine hours of sleep each night just like everyone else does.
• Setting a regular sleep schedule is essential for improving your sleep quality and overall health as you age.
• Sleep cycles are crucial; light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep all serve important functions in our health and well-being.
• Creating a calming sleep sanctuary can help improve your sleep quality, so keep your bedroom dark, cool, and clutter-free.
• Avoid screens and blue light before bed to help your brain wind down and prepare for sleep.
• Simple practices like yoga and meditation can significantly improve your sleep by reducing stress and anxiety.

Links referenced in this episode:

• You can email Marie at [email protected]
• Check out the podcast, Older Women & Friends
• Want to schedule your complimentary 30-minute chat? Let's talk!
• Email me anytime. [email protected]