Living Your Sparked Second Half

EP428: A new year brings a great conversation with Kay Van Norman, an internationally renowned healthy aging expert and President of Brilliant Aging, who will inspire you to create your own vitality plan to kick off 2025 right. 

Kay’s work is absolutely groundbreaking. She directed the Keiser Institute on Aging, serves on global boards, and has an incredible list of publications. Her award-winning Vitality Portfolio® model has been featured in a book with Jack Canfield and is now available as an online course!

Kay is the definition of living with purpose and passion. She’s a lifelong dancer and a backcountry horsewoman who lives her vibrant life in Montana. Her energy and insights about healthy aging are so uplifting - I think you’ll love this conversation as much as I did!

In this episode, we talked about:

This episode is full of practical tips and heartwarming stories that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action. Kay has such a refreshing way of looking at aging—it’s all about building resilience, independence, and joy. Her advice is not just about adding years to your life but adding life to your years.

So, grab your favorite cozy drink and join us for this motivating conversation. Let’s make this year your most vibrant one yet—starting right here, right now. What is one micro-habit you’re ready to commit to in 2025?

Other ways to find and connect with Kay are:

Website:  https://www.brilliantaging.com 

Click on the following link to listen to the interview I mentioned that I did with my college roommate who attributed her positive mindset as key in the healing process during her breast cancer treatment: Episode 3: How mindset played a key role in her cancer treatment & recovery, with Kim Fleming Matthews

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You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/

EP427: As we head into the holiday week, I've pulled out one of my best "Lessons Learned" episodes from 2022 when I shared my 3 biggest tips to improving conversations which I learned from going through my year-long coaching certification.

I always thought I was a good conversationalist until I went through this training. Wow, was that an eye-opener!!!

I learned my conversations were more about me trying to get my voice heard and give my opinions and/or advice vs. me wanting to connect with the other person and making sure they felt heard and valued.

Or if I was trying to connect, I wasn't doing it with the intention of making the person I was talking to feel heard and seen. It was with the intent of ME being seen and heard! :(

Sounds kind of awful, doesn't it? But now I know why, and if you'd like to know more about that, check out last week's episode (Episode 286), where I share a childhood trauma I uncovered that explains everything! 

As I was thinking about what topics to cover as we head into the holidays, I thought about all of the conversations that will likely be happening at parties and at family gatherings, and how nice it would be if you could learn how to better connect with the people you talk to.

But be careful because you might become the most popular person at the party once you learn how to master these tips. 😜

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Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com     

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EP426: Today we welcome back a previous guest, Merle Saferstein, an accomplished expert on legacy building. In this episode, she shares the story behind the development of her latest passion project, “Wisdom of the Century,” a book that captures the life lessons of 90 individuals over the age of 90. 

Merle’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to memory, education, and the preservation of personal legacies. She is an author of three impactful books, a prolific journal writer, a facilitator of writing groups, a public speaker, a pioneer in legacy journaling, and even a bereavement volunteer.

Merle and I talked about:

Merle’s insights and practical advice offer a wonderful starting point for anyone curious about legacy work. One often overlooked aspect Merle shares about legacy is that it isn't solely defined by our experiences and accomplishments; rather, it's our beliefs and values that offer the most enduring memory to those we cherish.

Merle will undoubtedly leave you inspired to consider capturing the legacy you wish to leave behind and maybe even thinking about how you can help a loved one document theirs. I encourage you to tune in and discover how you can begin your own journey of preserving the lessons, values, and memories that matter most.

Click here to get to Merle’s first episode with me: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/blog/episode345 

Website: https://merlersaferstein.com/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.

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Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/   

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP425: Today’s guest is Kristin Ericksen, the inspiring founder of "Break Free, Make It Happen." Kristin spent 25+ years as a celebrity personal trainer working with high-profile clients in Los Angeles and New York City and using that experience and wisdom gained has transitioned into a new career as a peak performance coach and keynote speaker. She’s truly passionate about her mission of helping women find clarity, courage, and confidence. 

She and I talked about:

- The power of the "athletic mindset" and how it shapes resilience.

Prepare to be inspired by Kristin's journey and her actionable advice on moving forward with purpose. Her story resonates with those looking to step into their full potential, offering valuable tools for building courage and confidence. Our conversation is filled with energy, insight, and a roadmap for anyone ready to transform their mindset and align with their true purpose.

This episode is more than just a discussion; it's a call to action. Kristin's journey reminds us that adversity can be the catalyst for a more empowered life. Tune in to learn how you, too, can become unstoppable by embracing your strengths, overcoming limitations, and stepping into a future defined by clarity and confidence.

Other ways to find and connect with Kristin are:

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at [email protected]  or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                           

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP424: Today’s guest is Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli, an author and columnist who writes about love, loss and healing, and whose life story is one of profound tragedy transformed into a beacon of resilience and hope. 

Becky recounts her journey marked by significant loss, including the heartbreaking death of her brother and the many challenges that followed: raising children with special needs, losing a child, navigating a divorce, and confronting permanent paralysis. 

Becky shares her career shift from IBM to author, using her personal story to inspire others through her books, “Rethinking Possible” and “Morning Fuel”. Her insights throughout the episode reveal the profound power of perspective, the art of active waiting, and how embracing life’s unpredictability can lead to finding joy in the present. She discusses the deep influence of her life events on her writing and her passion for connecting with others who face similar challenges. 

We talked about:

• The tragic loss of her 17-year-old brother at a young age and its impact to her family. 

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, offering a deep dive into what it means to hold onto hope while navigating difficult realities. Listen in and let Becky’s candid reflections encourage you to appreciate life’s moments, however imperfect, and actively seek joy despite challenges.

Other ways to find and connect with Beck are:

Website: www.BeckyGalli.com or www.RebeccaFayeSmithGalli.com 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at [email protected] or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                         

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP423: In this solo episode, I talk about my recent experience of going back to the place of my birth, where I spent the first 18 months of my life and many of my summers growing up, to attend a beloved aunt's funeral in Massachusetts and the profound reflections it prompted. 

I share two key lessons, involving some pretty incredible secrets, which everyone needs to hear! You see, my aunt was a secret keeper and I talk about two of the biggest secrets of her life that are juicy enough for a best selling novel. One of her secrets was revealed many years ago, and, as a result, drastically changed the trajectory of someone’s life. 

The other secret was held until her death and now it’s unraveling and will likely have significant emotional consequences for those who are still living.

As you listen to these personal stories about the life-changing choices my aunt made, I hope the lessons I gained and have reflected on inspire you to make time to nurture meaningful relationships, show up honestly and openly without hiding any part of you, and make courageous choices that honor your true self.

Tune in for a heartfelt narrative that might just encourage you to take action in your own life.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at [email protected] or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                       

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP422: Today I have a returning guest, Sandy Weiner, who is the Chief Love Officer at Last First Date. She's an internationally known TEDx speaker, dating and relationship coach, author, and podcast host, and she recently released a new book, “Love At Last,” featuring 18 inspiring love stories that prove it’s never too late to find meaningful relationships. 

In this episode, Sandy shares her expertise in how she helps individuals overcome emotional hurdles, emphasizing the value of embracing vulnerability and self-awareness, especially after the age of 40, when dating can feel different but also more meaningful. We also touch on the evolving world of dating, and how different it is today, in a tech-driven environment, than when the women of my generation first began dating. 

Other topics we cover are: 

- How the pandemic reshaped first dates.

This episode is a heartwarming and motivating reminder that love and the personal growth gifts that come with it are possible at any stage of life. Sandy wants everyone who desires a partner and is ready to break down emotional barriers, to have hope that love can be found in the most unexpected ways.

If you are seeking love for the first time or rediscovering it after divorce or the loss of a partner and are ready to embrace the next romantic chapter of your journey, make sure to tune into this conversation with Sandy. 

Other ways to find and connect with Sandy are:

Website: https://lastfirstdate.com/   

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Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP421: Today’s guest is Denise Corbo, a retired educator and the founder of Storybook Treasures. Denise shares her inspiring journey from stumbling into her first teaching gig as a high school cosmetology teacher, to finding her passion as an elementary school teacher, and then to starting a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy and spreading the love of books to grade school children. 

In this episode, Denise opens up about her personal experiences, sharing how her own shy childhood and undiagnosed learning challenges fueled her passion for teaching and finding creative ways for her students, especially those who struggled to read, to succeed. 

Denise talks about how she got the idea to start her company, Storybook Treasures, the early challenges she faced, and the determination that drove her forward. From financial hurdles to skepticism about her vision, she remained steadfast in her mission to make a difference in the lives of children. 

We chatted about:

• How she got into teaching cosmetology. 

Denise's story serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest steps can lead to a large impact, especially when driven by a purpose that brings value to others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, heart, and a call to action that invites all of us to make a difference in the lives of young learners.

If you’d like to connect with Denise and/or order a subscription to receive your own Storybook Treasure every other month (or gift one!), get in touch with her at one of the following links:

Website: https://www.storybooktreasures.org/ 

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storybook-treasures-inc/

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at [email protected] or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                       

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma            

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP420: Today’s guest is Paula Swope, her social media followers call Paula the most relatable self-help author ever. She is a self-empowerment leader and author of Thought Snob: The Modern Spiritual Playbook for a Better Life. 

Paula shares her incredible journey of transformation, from being raised in rural Kentucky to believe her impoverished life was all that was possible, to becoming a prominent voice in the self-help space. Once she discovered her thoughts were actually lies she had been programmed to believe from a young age, she was able to change her mindset and overcome the odds that many who come from similar backgrounds never can.

In this episode, we talked about:

• Paula’s upbringing and the limiting beliefs she had to overcome.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to break free from self-limiting beliefs and step into a life of personal empowerment. Paula’s story is not just inspiring—it’s a blueprint for taking control of your own narrative, no matter where you come from.

Tune in to hear Paula’s wisdom and be reminded that your reality is only limited by the thoughts you think each and every day. 

Other ways to find and connect with Paula are:

Website: http://www.paulaswope.com/ 

Thought Snob: https://thoughtsnob.com/ 

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

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at [email protected] or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                      

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma           

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP419: Today’s guest is Linda Ward, a life coach and writer with a passion for adventure, self-love, and personal growth. Linda shares her incredible journey of spending three transformative months in Italy with her husband, an experience sparked by her husband's dream and their shared love for travel. 

Linda reflects on major life transformations, including her divorce at age 47, and how she found love, first for herself and then with a new partner, in her late fifties. She emphasizes the power of loving yourself, building confidence, and embracing courage to follow what lights you up, even when life presents challenges. 

In this episode, we talked about:

• Creating deep, meaningful connections through travel, while facing the challenges of a worldwide pandemic.

Linda explains how Italy became not just a destination but a place of deep personal transformation, where daily habits of self-love and positive self-talk led to profound growth. She opens up about how this adventure allowed her to navigate life’s challenges with courage and joy.

Her wisdom as a life coach shines through as she offers practical advice for others who want to pursue passions and create a life filled with joy and adventure, no matter their stage in life.

For anyone facing challenges at midlife, Linda’s story will leave you hopeful and excited about embracing life and exploring new adventures and will provide practical advice to help you take those first steps.

Other ways to find and connect with Linda are:

Website: https://www.couragedaily.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CourageDaily4U 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragedaily4U/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-ward

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at [email protected] or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                     

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma          

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.