What if the next chapter of your life is waiting behind a door you haven't opened yet?

My guest, Mary Foerster, is living proof that life doesn't stop unfolding after 70 - it expands. At 75, Mary has reinvented herself time and again, building a life filled with purpose, connection, and contribution.

From librarian to legislative advocate at AARP, from government affairs executive to house flipper and Realtor, from Rotary leader to podcast host, Mary's journey reminds us that we don't have to have life all figured out. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities arrive simply because we're willing to say "yes."

In our conversation, Mary shares how ballroom dancing led her to the love of her life, why community became her lifeline after retirement, what inspired her to launch Real Estate Connections at 75, and why relationships continue to open doors she never imagined.

If you've ever wondered whether your best years are behind you, this episode offers a hopeful - and practical - answer. 

Mary's biggest lesson?

Keep every door open.

You never know which one will lead to your next adventure.

🎙️ Connect with Mary Foerster

Podcast: Real Estate Connections: Where Relationships Open Doors

Email: [email protected]

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

Why does contribution matter so much as we grow older?

It's a question I hadn't thought about in quite this way until my delicious conversation with David McNally.

Like many of us, I used to think being on purpose was the goal. But David offered a beautiful reframe: our purpose doesn't change, our contribution does.

Whether we're mentoring a younger generation, starting a podcast at 67, going back to college at 72, or simply showing up each day with curiosity and compassion, we're all helping move humanity forward.

That's what it means to become an Inspired Elder.

David McNally is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and leadership expert whose latest book, If You're Alive, Your Mission on Earth Isn't Finished, reminds us that our later years can be some of our most meaningful. Approaching his 80th birthday, David shares the lived experiences that shaped his life, the personal losses that deepened his wisdom, and why he believes our greatest contribution may still lie ahead.

This conversation is filled with memorable stories, heartfelt wisdom, and several "pause and think" moments that I know you'll carry with you long after the episode ends.

One of my favorite moments came when David said:

"I'm no longer ambitious...I'm passionate."

That simple statement perfectly captures what so many of us discover in our later years. We stop striving to prove ourselves and begin living to serve, mentor, create, and contribute.

Another unforgettable reminder:

"The creative spirit within us only expires when we expire."

If you've ever wondered what's next...or whether your best years might still be ahead of you...this episode is for you.

Connect with David McNally:
• Website
• Book: If You're Alive, Your Mission on Earth Isn't Finished
• YouTube: The Inspired Elder

If this conversation inspired you, please share it with a friend who could use a reminder that their story... and their contribution... is far from over.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What if the most creative chapter of your life is still ahead of you?

In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Irene Buchine, whose life beautifully reminds us that creativity, purpose, and self-expression don't have an expiration date.

At 77 years old, Irene celebrated her very first gallery show, Beyond Words, a collection of artwork, photography, embroidery, writing, and personal reflections that span decades of her life. I had the privilege of attending the exhibit, and it inspired this special conversation.

What makes Irene's story so extraordinary is that she didn't learn to read until she was 34 because of dyslexia. Yet she went on to build a successful business, become an author, and continue creating with curiosity, courage, and joy.

Together, we explore what it means to stop minimizing our accomplishments, embrace our creativity, and finally allow ourselves to be seen.

We also talk about Irene's beautiful book, Celia and the Little Boy, a compassionate story that helps parents, caregivers, and educators better understand childhood depression and emotional struggles through the eyes of a child.

🎧 Listen to Irene narrate Celia and the Little Boy on YouTube here.

📚 Tap here to learn more about Irene and her work.

One of the things that stayed with me after this conversation was how often we tuck away our gifts, our accomplishments, and even our creativity because we don't think they're worthy of celebrating.

Watching Irene gather decades of her life into one gallery exhibit wasn't about looking backward. It was about honoring the journey and giving herself permission to be fully seen.

I hope this episode encourages you to look at your own life with that same generosity. Maybe there's a dream you've put on hold. Maybe there's a talent you've hidden away. Or maybe it's simply time to celebrate the person you've become.

Because creativity doesn't retire.

And neither do we.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What are you waiting for?

How many times have you told yourself you'll get around to it someday?

Someday you'll pick up the guitar again.
Someday you'll take that trip.
Someday you'll start the business, write the book, learn the skill, or pursue the passion that's been quietly waiting in the wings.

But what if life's too short for someday?

My guest is musician Ray Toole, the creative force behind The Yellow Room, a musical community that brings together talented musicians from multiple generations to perform live, connect through music, and celebrate the joy of making music together.

Ray's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reconnect with what you love. After spending more than 30 years working as a train conductor, Ray picked up his guitar again during COVID and began playing more seriously than ever before. And here's the remarkable part: he believes he's a better musician today at 65 than he was at 25.

In our conversation, Ray takes me back to his early days growing up during the golden era of rock and shares how music became a lifelong passion.

We talk about balancing creativity with careers and responsibilities, the joy of mentoring younger musicians, and the unexpected opportunities that can emerge later in life when you continue to follow what lights you up.

One phrase came up again and again during our conversation: "Life's too short." In fact, Ray once hosted annual "Life's Too Short" parties! His philosophy is simple but powerful: don't wait for someday.

Whether you've always loved music, have a passion you've put on the back burner, or simply need a reminder that it's never too late to create, connect, and contribute, I think you'll find inspiration in Ray's story.

This Episode
🎸 How Ray fell in love with music and the electric guitar
🎸 Growing up in the incredible music culture of the 1970s
🎸 Keeping a lifelong passion alive while navigating careers and responsibilities
🎸 Why picking up the guitar again during COVID changed everything
🎸 The story behind The Yellow Room
🎸 The joy of bringing musicians from different generations together
🎸 Why Ray believes he's a better musician at 65 than he was at 25
🎸 What aging has taught Ray about creativity, performance, and purpose
🎸 Why mentorship matters at every age
🎸 Ray's advice for anyone thinking about returning to music—or pursuing a long-forgotten dream

If there's something you've been wanting to do, create, learn, or experience, maybe this is your sign to stop waiting.

Connect with Ray Toole and watch his fab music videos on these platforms:
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

Songs mentioned during our delicious conversation:
Desmond Dekker & The Aces – Israelites
Led Zeppelin - Over the Hills and Far Away
Keep On Smilin' - The Wet Willie Band
Coca-Cola's Ad - I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What can riding a motorcycle thousands of miles across North and South America teach us about thriving after 60?

Quite a lot, according to Michael Yang.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Michael immigrated to California as a teenager and embraced the opportunities of the American Dream. He went on to earn degrees from UC Berkeley and Columbia University, build a successful Silicon Valley startup, and eventually sell his company during the dot-com era.

But Michael's most surprising chapter began in his sixties.

Rather than slowing down, he climbed onto a motorcycle and embarked on epic journeys across North and South America—from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, on the Arctic Ocean to Newfoundland, Canada, and through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia.

In this fascinating conversation, Michael shares what those miles taught him about resilience, perseverance, humility, gratitude, curiosity, and living with purpose at every age.

Tap here to purchase Michael's book Coming Alive on the Ride: A Memoir of Motorcycle Travel, Self-Discovery, and Korean Heritage.

Michael's Message: "Purpose and passion do not have expiration dates."

If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to pursue a dream, start a new chapter, or embark on an adventure, Michael's story is a powerful reminder that some of life's most meaningful journeys begin later than expected.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What if turning 60 wasn't the beginning of the end, but the beginning of your most confident, fulfilling, and exciting chapter yet?

Too often, society tells women that life gets smaller as they age. My guest today is here to challenge that narrative and prove that life after 60 can be a time of reinvention, growth, purpose, and unapologetic ambition.

Ali Miles-Jenkins is the founder of Sassy and Successful After 60, an award-winning transformational coach, TEDx speaker, trainer, and champion for women who are ready to stop playing small and start living boldly. After spending more than 30 years helping people unlock their potential, Ali now focuses on empowering women over 60 to embrace their experience, challenge age stereotypes, and create lives they truly love.

In this inspiring conversation, Ali shares her own journey of reinvention, the mindset shifts that helped her embrace aging as an asset rather than a limitation, and practical ways women can step into their next chapter with confidence. We explore the impact of internalized ageism, the importance of supportive communities, and why it's never too late to pursue a dream, start something new, or redefine success on your own terms.

Whether you're approaching 60, well beyond it, or simply looking for inspiration to embrace what's next, this episode is a powerful reminder that your age does not define your potential.

Key Takeaway:
The skills, wisdom, and experiences you've accumulated over a lifetime are not holding you back - they are the very foundation for creating an extraordinary next chapter.

Connect with Ali here, and download The Reinvention Report here.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What happens when you return to the memories you buried for more than half a century?

In this moving episode of Don't Be Caged By Your Age, I chat with Mario Cartaya, acclaimed architect, Cuban exile, and debut author for a deeply human conversation about memory, identity, resilience, and reinvention.

Born in Havana in 1951, Mario left Cuba at the age of eight when his family immigrated to the United States in search of freedom. Decades later, after building a celebrated architectural career and having his life’s work entered into the U.S. Congressional Record, Mario found himself drawn back to the memories of his childhood and ultimately back to Cuba itself.

His memoir, Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints, explores that emotional journey of rediscovery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How childhood memories quietly shape our identity
• Leaving Cuba and adapting to life in America
• The moment Mario realized architecture was his calling
• Building spaces that serve humanity and community
• Becoming an author later in life
• Why it’s never too late to reconnect with your story

Learn more about Mario and purchase a copy of his book via his website here.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What if thinking about the end of your life… could actually help you live more fully right now?

In this powerful and uplifting conversation, I sit down with bestselling author Karen Salmansohn to explore how embracing aging - and even mortality - can become a catalyst for living with greater intention, courage, and joy.

Karen shares the inspiration behind her bold new book, Your To-Die-For Life, and introduces us to the idea of Mortality Awareness - a mindset shift that helps you stop postponing what matters most.

We also dive into her viral concept of connecting with your 90-year-old self (yes… Karen's 90-year-old self included fabulous red sneakers), and how that perspective can radically change the way you approach your life today.

Karen beautifully reminds us: thinking about the end of our life isn’t about fear - it’s about focus. It’s about clarity. It’s about choosing to live more intentionally while we still have the gift of time.

To learn more about Karen, tap here.
To purchase her book, tap here.
Tap here to read her 90-year-old self post on Substack.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What happens when you’ve spent over 50 years at the top of your field… and then decide to start over?

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Robinson, 79, whose extraordinary career in public radio spans decades of leadership, innovation, and storytelling. But what fascinates me most is what he’s doing now.

After years as an executive producer and general manager, Steve chose to step back into the craft itself, learning digital audio production from scratch after a career that began in the days of cutting tape.

Yes… from analog to digital. From expert to beginner.

And he did it at 70.

We talk about what it really takes to reinvent yourself later in life, how to stay curious in a rapidly changing world, and why being willing to learn something new might be the most powerful move you can make.

Steve also shares the story behind his award-winning 13-hour documentary, “No Regrets: The Music and Spirit of Billie Holiday,” and how this chapter of his life is fueled by passion, creativity, and deep purpose.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that there is no expiration date on learning, creating, or contributing.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

What if a health scare at 58 led you to the most joyful decade of your life?

That's exactly what happened to Sirenna Beyer. 

After facing high blood pressure and alarming cholesterol levels, she picked up a hula hoop - and everything changed. 

Now at 68, she's built a thriving business, a vibrant community she calls "Hoop Love," and a complete transformation of her health, confidence, and joy.

In this episode, Sirenna shares the emotional journey behind her wake-up call, why fun and play are secret weapons for healthy aging, and how movement can reconnect you with yourself... and a whole new community.

You'll hear:

• Why Sirenna's health scare became the best thing that ever happened to her
• How she gave herself permission to be playful, visible, and joyful after 65
• Why she calls hooping "exercise in disguise" — and why that matters
• The surprising friendships and belonging that grew out of Hoop Love
• Her message for anyone feeling stuck, invisible, or disconnected right now

Connect with Sirenna on social @KCHoopGirl and visit her website here to learn more about her Hoop Love work in the world. 

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...