In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan Paul sits down with award-winning playwright, author, and lyricist Robin Pullen to explore how curiosity, creativity, and collaboration can fuel a thriving second act well into your 60s and beyond.

If you've ever quietly held onto a childhood dream, or wondered whether it's too late, this conversation will encourage you to start.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that creativity has no expiration date, and that the dreams we tuck away in childhood often have a way of finding us again, more vividly and when we collaborate we can finally bring them to life.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

→ How childhood dreams often re-emerge later in life when we have the space to pursue them 

→ Why it's never too late to reach for something you've always wanted to do 

→ The power of telling overlooked stories, especially those of women in history 

→ How collaboration with other creatives can amplify your work and give you courage 

→ How to build community around your work and use it as a force for good 

→ How curiosity is the secret to staying vibrant, no matter your age

About Robin:

Robin Pullen is an award-winning playwright, lyricist, and author whose work spans children's musicals, plays, and picture books. A retired special education and gifted teacher for over 3 decades, Robin is the creator of the play Cows in a Snowstorm; Caro's Comet, a musical and picture book celebrating astronomer Caroline Herschel, and Amelia the Island, a chapter book and musical honoring the rich history of Amelia Island, Florida. Her latest project, Wild Women of Amelia, debuts in March 2027 at Amelia Musical Playhouse and has grown into a community-driven movement supporting women-led charities. Robin believes deeply in the power of stories to inspire children, build community, and empower women of every age to step into what's next.

Website: https://pullenplaywright.com/

Books:

Amelia, The Island: https://storyandsongarts.org/bookstore/kids-young-adults/

Caro's Comet: The Celestial Cinderella: can be found wherever you buy books

If this episode spoke to you, follow Her Next Act so you don't miss upcoming conversations designed to support you through life's transitions and help you step into what's next.

And if you know someone who's been quietly holding onto a creative dream, share this episode with them, it might be exactly the encouragement they need to start.

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

In conversation with Lindsey Goldstein, author of Gap Year 

In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan Paul sits down with author Lindsey Goldstein to explore what it really means to start over in midlife.

If you’ve ever wondered who you are beyond the roles you’ve held, mother, partner, professional this conversation will resonate deeply.

Lindsey shares the story behind her debut novel Gap Year, a powerful reflection on identity, reinvention, and the courage it takes to follow the quiet pull of “what if.” Together, Joan and Lindsey dive into the emotional and practical realities of midlife transitions from empty nest to career shifts to unexpected life changes and how those moments can become the beginning of something new.

This episode is a reminder that even when life feels uncertain, it may actually be opening the door to something more aligned, more meaningful, and more you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

→ Why midlife transitions often spark identity questions and how to navigate them
→ The emotional impact of empty nest, career shifts, and relationship changes
→ How to reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been set aside
→ Why it’s never too late to pursue something you’ve always wanted to do
→ How travel, space, and stepping outside your routine can lead to clarity
→ The power of listening to your inner voice—even without a clear plan

About the Guest:

Lindsey Goldstein is the author of the debut novel Gap Year, a story centered on midlife reinvention, identity, and the courage to begin again. With a background in physical therapy and storytelling, her work is deeply inspired by real-life experiences, human connection, and the belief that it’s never too late to change your path.

Connect with Lindsey:

Website: https://www.lindseygoldsteinauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldsteinlindsey/
Substack: lindseygoldstein.substack.com

If this episode spoke to you, follow Her Next Act so you don’t miss upcoming conversations designed to support you through life’s transitions and help you step into what’s next.

And if you know someone navigating a season of change, share this episode with them it might be exactly what they need to hear.

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

What if the life you’re trying to create starts with the space you’re living in?

In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan sits down with Kim Costa, realtor, author, and creator of the Wheel House™ method, to explore how our homes shape not only how we live, but who we become.

Kim’s journey is a powerful example of what it looks like to realign your life from the inside out. From working decades in a career that didn’t fit, to rebuilding her life in midlife and stepping into work that feels deeply purposeful, she shares how clarity often comes after we pause long enough to listen.

Together, they explore the connection between environment, identity, and possibility, and why your home may be the missing piece in your next chapter.

This conversation is a reminder that your next act isn’t just about what you do… it’s about where and how you choose to live.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, misaligned, or unsure what’s next, this episode will invite you to look closer at the space around you, and what it’s quietly asking you to change.

Episode Highlights:

➔ How your home environment influences your emotions, decisions, and sense of possibility

➔ Kim’s pivotal moment of realizing she had been living out of alignment for decades

➔ The role of life transitions (divorce, empty nesting, career shifts) in redefining what “home” means

➔ Why many women struggle to answer the question, “What do I want?” and how to begin exploring it

➔ The concept of “Stay, Go, or Reno” and how to evaluate whether your current home supports your next chapter

➔ How creating the right environment can help you heal, rebuild, and step into a more aligned life

➔ Moving through fear, resistance, and imposter syndrome when stepping into something new

Find out more about Kim Costa:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kim.e.costa/

Website:
https://www.lifestylefoundations.com/

Book: Live in Your Wheel House™
Available from any online retailer and through independent bookstores

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

What if one decision could open the door to an entirely new life?

In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan sits down with Eliza Clark, creative director, entrepreneur, and co-owner of the stunning Foxfire Mountain House and Lost Fox Inn.

Eliza’s story is a powerful reminder that reinvention doesn’t require certainty it requires attention, courage, and a willingness to say yes to possibility.

From her early days as a novelist and television producer to building a hospitality brand in her 50s and beyond, Eliza shares how each chapter of her life unfolded naturally, one decision at a time.

This conversation explores what it really looks like to create a meaningful next act, not by having everything figured out, but by trusting yourself enough to begin.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to pursue something new this episode will remind you that you’re not behind, you’re right on time.

Episode Highlights:

➔ How Eliza transitioned from writing novels and working in television to launching a hospitality business

➔ The pivotal moment that led her and her husband to completely change their lives

➔ Why creativity is less about certainty and more about paying attention

➔ The realities (and rewards) of building a business from the ground up in midlife

➔ How collaboration, risk-taking, and trust shaped her journey

➔ Why doing more of what you love is often the clearest path forward

Find out more about Eliza and her Inns:

Instagram links:

• Foxfire Mountain House: https://www.instagram.com/foxfiremountainhouse/
• Lost Fox Inn: https://www.instagram.com/lostfoxinn/
• BYRD STUDIO: https://www.instagram.com/by.byrd/

Websites:

https://www.lostfoxinn.com/

https://www.foxfiremountainhouse.com/

The Book ~ Foxfire Living:
https://www.foxfiremountainhouse.com/shop/foxfire-living-signed-copy

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

In this episode of HER NEXT ACT ~ Right Here, Right Now, host Joan Paul speaks with Tracey Willis Gates, author and Life and Wellness Coach, about her journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of kind words. 

Tracey details how she transitioned into becoming a Life Coach in her fifties and how this led her to embark on a year-long journey of writing letters of appreciation for 365 consecutive days. They discuss the profound effects of this practice on Tracey’s own relationships and overall well-being, as well as for the recipients of her appreciation notes. Tracey also shares heartwarming stories about her adored father, who was the inspiration for her book The Power of a Few Kind Words. Listen in as Tracey offers insights on the importance of kindness, intentionality, and seeing the value in others. 

Episode Highlights:

➔ Embracing Fear and Discomfort

➔ The Power and Impact of Kind Words

➔ Connecting through Lingering and Listening

➔ The Emotional Power of Handwritten Notes of Appreciation

➔ How Supporting Oneself Can Benefit Others

➔ The Origin Story of  “A Few Kind Words”

➔ Creating Meaning and Purpose out of Loss

➔ Embracing Vulnerability and Writing a Book

Find out more about Tracey at:

Website: https://www.afewkindwords.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afewkindwordschallenge/

Buy the Book:  The Power of a Few Kind Words

Better yet - support an independent bookstore!  :)

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

Joan Paul sits down with author, radio host, speaker, performer, and podcast creator Randye Kaye for a conversation about creativity, resilience, and reinventing yourself at every stage of life.

Randye shares her multi-decade journey from folk singer and actor to radio personality, author, advocate, and podcaster, proving that it’s never too late to explore new ideas, pivot careers, or pursue meaningful work. Together, Joan and Randye explore how curiosity, courage, and community can help women in midlife and beyond continue to grow, contribute, and thrive.

This conversation also touches on deeply personal experiences, including navigating single motherhood, supporting a child with schizophrenia, and transforming life’s hardest moments into opportunities for purpose and service. Randye’s message is clear: take the first step, learn as you go, and trust that your ideas and voice still matter.

Through storytelling and lived wisdom, she invites listeners to embrace imperfection, keep creating, and stay open to what’s possible in their next chapter.

Episode Highlights

• Trusting “crazy ideas” and taking the first step toward something new
• Why creativity and curiosity keep us vibrant as we age
• The reality of reinvention after divorce, career shifts, and life challenges
• Supporting a child with mental illness and finding purpose through advocacy
• Writing and publishing a book through persistence and accountability
• Building a speaking career and embracing a growth mindset
• Launching new podcasts later in life, including Good at Heart
• Creating a one-woman show and the power of storytelling
• Letting go of perfectionism and redefining self-worth
• Why it’s never too late to start again, create, and contribute

About the Guest:

Randye Kaye is a radio host, author, speaker, performer, and podcast creator dedicated to helping others live creatively and purposefully at every stage of life. Through her writing, advocacy, and storytelling, she supports individuals navigating mental health challenges and encourages women to pursue new possibilities with courage and curiosity.

Website:  https://www.randyekaye.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RandyeKayeOfficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randyekaye/

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

In this episode of Her Next Act, host Joan Paul sits down with Dr. Karin Drescher, a longtime anesthesiologist and educator, to explore what it looks like to evolve a calling after decades in medicine without walking away from it entirely.

After more than 35 years practicing anesthesiology in an academic medical center, Dr. Drescher began asking deeper questions about health, longevity, and what truly helps people thrive as they age. Her curiosity led her to certification through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and into a powerful next act rooted in prevention, education, and purpose.

Still practicing part-time in the operating room, Karin is now stepping into a new role as a teacher and guide, translating complex medical science into practical, accessible tools that help people improve energy, sleep, metabolic health, and overall vitality, especially in midlife and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

• How a 35+ year career in anesthesiology sparked a passion for lifestyle medicine and longevity
• Why so many chronic conditions seen in the operating room are rooted in preventable lifestyle factors
• The six pillars of lifestyle medicine, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, avoiding toxic substances, and social connection — and why they matter more with age
• What menopause, hormones, and metabolic health mean for women’s long-term vitality
• Why sleep is one of the most underestimated drivers of health and aging
• The tension between freedom and purpose in midlife and early retirement
• How teaching and simplifying complex information can become a meaningful next act
• Why it’s never “too late” to begin sharing what you know even if you’re not a natural risk-taker
• How listening to what wakes you up at night can reveal what’s next

This conversation is a thoughtful, honest look at what it means to matter in the second half of life not by working harder, but by working differently. Dr. Drescher’s story is a reminder that experience doesn’t expire, curiosity doesn’t age out, and purpose can evolve alongside freedom.

If you’re navigating midlife health questions, rethinking retirement, curious about lifestyle medicine, or feeling a quiet pull toward something new, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded wisdom for your own next act.

If you want to learn more from Dr. Karin Drescher, please email [email protected].

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

In this episode of Her Next Act, Joan Paul sits down with Kim Thomas, founder of New England Coastal Creative, to explore what it truly means to embrace creativity in midlife and use it as a force for connection, confidence, and community.

Kim’s next act emerged from lived experience, career pivots, creative risk-taking, and a deep desire to build the kind of community she once needed herself. What started as a spark grew into a thriving creative collective that now brings together women founders, artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers across New England.

Episode Highlights:

• Why midlife can be the most powerful season for creative expression
• How trusting your creativity (even after setbacks) leads to reinvention
• The role community plays in helping women take bolder risks
• Why women struggle with visibility, self-worth, and charging their value and how that shifts with age and the wisdom that comes with it.
• The difference between having an idea and committing to it
• How Kim’s events like Bloom and Elevate are helping women amplify their next act

This conversation is an honest, energizing reminder that creativity doesn’t diminish with age it sharpens. And when women stop waiting for permission and start building together, the ripple effect can be transformative.

If you’re in midlife, sitting on an idea, craving connection, or wondering if it’s “too late” to start something new this episode is your sign.

About the Guest
Kim Thomas is the founder of New England Coastal Creative and Shorelines Illustrated, platforms dedicated to elevating women, creativity, and coastal New England living through community and curated experiences.

Connect with Kim:

• New England Coastal Creative: necoastalcreative.com | @necoastalcreative
• Shorelines Illustrated: shorelinesillustrated.com | @shorelinesillustrated

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

In this episode of Her Next Act, host Joan Paul closes out Season One with gratitude, reflection, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Sitting on Amelia Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean the same place she launched this podcast one year ago Joan celebrates the full-circle moment of completing 27 episodes and a year-long commitment to sharing stories of courage, reinvention, and possibility.

Joan reflects on how Her Next Act began with a simple idea that wouldn’t let her go, a spark that grew into a platform for women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to share how they’ve redefined what’s possible in this next phase of life. She opens up about the fears and doubts that surfaced early on, and how staying consistent became an act of self-trust and personal integrity. Through every interview, she discovered not just her guests’ transformations but her own.

Revisiting several guests, Joan shares inspiring updates from Dr. Alicia Farrell’s new parenting platform to Sue Skelly’s upcoming “Women Who Walk the World” podcast, and Cynthia Coddington’s culinary adventures in Italy. These stories reveal a powerful truth: courage grows with practice, creativity flourishes in connection, and transformation rarely happens overnight, but it always begins with one small, brave step.

As she reflects on what she’s learned from this journey, Joan invites listeners to pause and ask themselves what’s calling them next. Whether it’s a long-held dream, a creative pursuit, or a new direction in life, she reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again.

Episode Highlights

• The full-circle moment of completing Season One on Amelia Island
• How Her Next Act began and grew into a thriving community
• Guest reflections and updates from Dr. Alicia Farrell, Sue Skelly, and Cynthia Coddington
• Lessons learned about fear, vulnerability, and the courage to keep going
• An invitation to follow your own inner nudge and take the next step toward what’s calling you

As Joan prepares for Season Two, launching in early January, she encourages listeners to stay curious, stay creative, and keep saying yes to what makes them come alive. Because as she reminds us, you’re not too old, and it’s not too late, your next act might just be your best one yet.

Follow Her Next Act on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to be the first to hear when Season Two launches.

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan

In this inspiring episode of Her Next Act, host Joan Paul sits down with Monya Elgart, an optometrist turned visionary land steward who is courageously redefining what life can look like after fifty. 

Following a Gray Divorce, Monya chose to reinvent rather than retreat; purchasing an 85-acre farm and transforming it into Durham Equestrian, a poetic sanctuary for horses, humans, and healing.

Joan and Monya explore what it means to pursue a dream in progress, how to navigate uncertainty, rebuild confidence, and honor both joy and struggle along the way. Their conversation reveals the courage it takes to create something meaningful in midlife, even when it looks nothing like what came before.

Episode Highlights:

 • How Monya reimagined her life on an 85-acre equestrian property
 • What inspired her to embrace reinvention after navigating a gray divorce
 • The emotional and practical lessons of starting over in midlife
 • How horses, land, and nature became unexpected catalysts for healing and creativity
 • The story behind Durham Equestrian and its mission to nurture people, animals, and the environment
 • Why perfection isn’t the goal and how progress, presence, and joy are the real markers of success
 • The importance of supportive relationships and surrounding yourself with people who align with your vision

This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to design your next act, one built on courage, creativity, and purpose. Whether you’re beginning again, following a long-held dream, or searching for meaning after a major life change, Monya’s story will leave you feeling grounded, hopeful, and inspired to take your own next step.

Connect with Monya Elgart:

Website: https://www.durham-equestrian.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/durham.equestrian

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan