I am very excited to share with you my conversation with Dr. Joel Vos.  In this first episode of a two-part series, we dive into the rich tapestry of life's meanings, uncovering how various cultures and individuals construct purpose throughout history. Joel Vos, a seasoned researcher and thinker in the field of psychology, shares his extensive knowledge and personal insights, bringing a fresh perspective to the quest for a meaningful existence.

Our conversation begins with an exploration of the fascinating historical evolution of meaning in life, examining the diverse paths people have taken to forge a sense of purpose. Joel offers enlightening viewpoints on the methods of meaning-making that contribute to greater psychological well-being and satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of understanding the wide array of approaches available to us.

Focusing on the pivotal phase of midlife, Joel illuminates the existential challenges that often emerge, guiding us through these experiences with a compassionate and scientifically informed lens. Whether you're navigating midlife yourself or simply interested in deepening your understanding of life's purposes, Joel's insights offer a thought-provoking roadmap to authenticity and a renewed sense of purpose.

Visit Joel's Website: https://joelvos.com/
Books By Joel Vos (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Man's Search For Meaning By Viktor Frankl (Amazon Affiliate Link)

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In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Frank J Infurna, an innovative researcher dedicated to exploring the midlife phase of adult development. This episode uncovers the dual nature of midlife, highlighting not only the challenges faced by individuals in this age group but also the opportunities that arise. We also discuss resilience factors, such as social support and purpose in life, which play critical roles in navigating the complexities of midlife transitions.Join us as we explore the multifaceted experiences of midlife, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and the profound impact of support and purpose on our well-being during this pivotal stage of life.

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In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Shinobu Kitayama, a distinguished psychology professor at the University of Michigan. Dr. Kitayama leads the Culture & Cognition Lab, where his groundbreaking research has uncovered valuable insights into the mind, culture, and well-being. We discuss how Western cultural norms often emphasize an active, positive self, setting unique expectations for aging. While these norms can be beneficial, they also risk creating a mismatch with the realities of aging. In our discussion, Dr. Kitayama enlightens us on these cultural impacts and introduces successful aging practices from various cultures. These insights pave the way for a richer, healthier perspective on aging, where wisdom and experience are in harmony with our evolving selves. Tune in to discover how integrating global aging philosophies can transform and enhance our journey through our midlife years and beyond.

Resources and Links;
Dr. Kityama's Culture and Cognition Lab

Culture and Wellbeing in Late Adulthood: Theory and Evidence

Varieties of interdependence and the emergence of the Modern West: Toward the globalizing of psychology

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In this episode, I am honored to have Keri Cooper on the show. Keri is a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for holistic psychotherapy for children and adolescents. During our discussion Keri shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by midlife parents of adolescents and emerging adults, and how a holistic approach can be beneficial in meeting these challenges. We also discuss the importance of helping children develop coping skills and emotional well-being and how parents can navigate situations where their children might resist holistic approaches. Keri also discusses the balance between personal growth and parenting responsibilities during midlife. Next, we discuss the role of nutrition in the emotional health of ourselves and our family members. Keri provides practical advice on simple nutritional changes that can positively impact the emotional well-being of our adolescent emerging adult children. We also explore the importance of communication and connection between parents and their adolescent and emerging adult children, with Keri offering strategies to maintain strong relationships during this transitional phase. It is a great conversation for us midlfers seeking to support our children’s emotional health and foster a strong parent-child connection during the challenging phase of adolescence and emerging adulthood.

Resources from this episode:

Keri's Website: kericooperholistictherapy.com

Mental Health Uncensored, Book By Keri Cooper

Mental Health Uncensored Teen Workbook By Keri Cooper

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In this episode, I discuss the fascinating topic of subjective aging with Dr. Allyson Brothers, a leading expert from Colorado State University. In this episode, we unpack the concept of subjective aging and its profound impact on midlife well-being. Discover why our perceptions of aging matter, how they shape our health outcomes and the societal implications of fostering a positive view of aging.  Dr. Brothers offers practical insights and actionable steps to cultivate a positive aging experience.

Resources

Recommended Book:
Breaking the Age Code How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live

Changing the Narrative:
https://changingthenarrativeco.org/

Colorado State Healthy Aging Center
https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/

Ryff Scales for Psychological Well-Being

Longitudinal effects of subjective aging on health and longevity: An updated metanalysis (2023)

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In this episode, we explore the enlightening world of intuitive eating with our guests Dr. Sara Styles and her Ph.D. student, Hannah Martin, both advocates for transforming our relationship with food. Together, we explore the principles of intuitive eating and acceptance and commitment therapy, emphasizing their relevance, especially for people in midlife. We discuss the importance of self-compassion, mindfulness, and unconditional permission to eat in fostering a healthier connection with food. We also explore the connection between intuitive eating and self-determination theory, focusing on the role of personal values and motivation on this midlife journey.

Join us for a conversation filled with practical advice, and insights into mindful eating, as we journey towards understanding and honoring our body’s needs, beyond the size of our waist.

Resources from our conversation:

Recommended Books from the Podcast:

Intuitive Eating, by Evelyn Triboli and Elyse Resch:
Intuitive Eating Book (Amazon)
Ten Principles for Nourishing a Healthy Relationship With Food (Amazon)

An example article from Dr. Styles:
https://www.researchprotocols.org/2016/4/e180/

Evelyn Tribole Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/evelyntribole/
 https://www.youtube.com/@etribole/

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I am excited to share my conversation with Dr. Amy Evans with you.  In this episode, we discuss the influential theories of midlife developmental psychology and how we can use them towards the goal of midlife flourishing.  We talk about navigating personality and relational shifts and how being cognizant of these changes can help us adjust our social circles and lifestyle choices to match our evolving selves. Retirement and second careers also come into view as we explore how to adapt healthily and maintain cognitive flexibility amidst these transitions. And, when faced with the unexpected, we discuss the importance of being prepared and ready to adjust. This episode is stacked with insight and practical tips - a great listen for anyone wanting to embrace midlife's potential.

More information about Amy:
https://www.bethel.edu/academics/faculty/amy-evans

Resources From Our Conversation:
https://brenebrown.com

Fostering Development in Midlife and Older Age

Values Card Sort:
https://motivationalinterviewing.org/sites/default/files/valuescardsort_0.pdf

If our discussion of Carl Rogers interested you:
Book How Listening Can Improve Relationships

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In today's episode, we dive deep into the enigma of death anxiety with esteemed clinical psychologist and author, Matteo Zuccala. We come to see it not just as a daunting aspect of our psyche but also as a natural and, at times, even enriching dimension of our mental fabric. Matteo artfully combines compassion, wit, and unparalleled insights as he sheds light on how we grapple with this potent existential theme. He underscores the pivotal role of human connections, the magic of genuine interactions, and the transformative power of therapeutic guidance.

As our conversation unfolds, we explore the profound connections intertwining death, love, and life. Matteo fervently advocates for deepening our human bonds and for the open exploration of death and its surrounding narratives. Join us for this illuminating conversation, as we traverse the intricate dance of life, love, and mortality.

More information about Matteo:
https://stpsych.com.au/matteo-zuccala/

Matteo's Book Recommendations:

Mortals How the Fear of Death Shaped Human Society

Attached The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love

Attachment in Psychotherapy

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This episode is a deep dive into the rich tapestry of midlife, featuring insights from lifespan developmental psychologist Dr. Margie E. Lachman. Our discussion navigates the balance of growth and decline that defines this phase and how it can surprisingly catalyze creativity and invention.

From understanding the role of a spouse or parent to discussing the increasing trend of adults choosing not to marry or have children, we tackle the many elements that shape our midlife journey. We shed light on the challenges and rewards of the 'sandwich generation' and explore the intricacies of generativity, a state of peak concern and caring for others that brings purpose and meaning to this phase of life.

As we close our conversation, we discuss adversity, resilience, and personal growth in midlife. Learn how early life experiences cast a long shadow over midlife and how resilience can help us overcome these limitations. We also emphasize the crucial role of physical activity in maintaining health and well-being during this phase. Inspired by the American Psychological Association's special issue on Rethinking Adult Development, we invite you to rethink adult development and the stress that often accompanies midlife. So, tune into this enlightening episode for a fresh perspective on midlife.

American Psychological Association Special Issue on Adult Development: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/special/amp-rethinking-adult-development-pdf

Midlife in the United States Website: https://midus.wisc.edu/

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 With us today, we have Dr. Dorian Minzer, a renowned speaker, author, therapist, and coach, who will guide us in embracing our mid-life transitions with intentionality and purpose. She illuminates the path to crafting our midlife years into a vibrant mosaic, not merely of existence, but of purpose and fulfillment. Dr. Minzer enlightens us on the significance of a growth mindset and how it fosters connection, engagement, and gives life a deeper meaning. She also shares her unique perspective on leaving a legacy, assuring us it doesn't need to be monumental, but memorable.

Dorian Mintzer Books on Amazon

https://revolutionizeretirement.com/

In midlife it's critical to understand the core values and priorities that shape our individual perspectives. This episode unpacks how to transform these insights into a purpose-driven existence. We learn how to nurture positive psychology, practice forgiveness, and cultivate a resilience that can weather life's storms. It's about living a life designed around your purpose and values, and we share practical steps to achieve this. 

Finally, we address the practical side of midlife, focusing on finances, health, and relationships. Financial literacy is a must, and we discuss how to navigate money conversations within relationships and confront money messages from our past. Dr. Minzer provides valuable insights into maintaining health and wellness in mid-life, striking a balance between physical and emotional wellbeing. As a bonus, she touches on the power of mindfulness and meditation in creating meaningful connections with ourselves. So, tune in and let's journey together, equipping ourselves with the tools to navigate life's transitions with purpose and intention.

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