Caregiving has a way of slowly filling the space around your life until it feels like there’s little room left for you. In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, I talk with Barbara Stratte about what happens when caring for someone you love becomes a long-term reality, not just a temporary role. Barbara shares her story of navigating caregiving while balancing the rest of her life, and the emotional shifts that came with it.

Our conversation focuses on the quieter parts of caregiving—the mental load, the sense of responsibility, and the subtle identity changes that many women experience but rarely talk about. We explore how to stay connected to yourself, set realistic expectations, and acknowledge your own needs without guilt. If you’re caring for someone and wondering how to keep your footing in the process, this episode offers understanding, perspective, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

Barbara's Info:

 Website: thesandwichedgen.com 

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. 

In this conversation, Leslie sits down with Kathleen Quinn to talk about what happens after success—when the goals are met, the career box is checked, and the money question is no longer the question. Together, they name the quiet, confusing space many accomplished people find themselves in: not dissatisfied, not struggling, but no longer motivated by the things that once drove them. Kathleen brings clarity and honesty to this moment, reframing it not as a crisis, but as a natural transition when external achievement stops answering an internal call.

Rather than treating this phase as an ending, Leslie and Kathleen explore it as a powerful opening. One where wisdom, freedom, and earned confidence create space for deeper purpose and intentional choice. The conversation invites listeners to release the pressure to “do more” and instead ask what feels meaningful now. This chapter isn’t about proving your value—it’s about expressing it, with curiosity, courage, and self-trust.

Kathleen's Info:

https://kathleenaquinn.com/

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. 

This conversation follows Fabian Fernandez not just across oceans, but through a deeply personal act of trust. When we first spoke in February, he was setting out on the final leg of his solo sail across the Pacific—without fanfare, without certainty, and with more than a few people questioning his choice. What carried him forward wasn’t ego or adrenaline, but a quiet resolve to listen to a call he couldn’t explain away. As the miles passed, so did something else: fear softened, clarity sharpened, and a deeper sense of alignment began to take shape.

By the time Fabian sailed back into Malaysia, everything had shifted. He returned as only the fourth Malaysian to ever sail around the world, welcomed by a full harbor, community leaders, and regional royalty. But the real transformation wasn’t in the celebration—it was in who he became along the way. This episode is about what happens when you leave quietly, stay the course, and allow the journey to change you. It’s a reminder that the boldest chapters often begin without applause—and end with a homecoming you never could have imagined.

Fabian's Info:

1. FB - Fabian Fernandez

2. IG- tktok - DestinyTwelve 

3. Website- www.destinydawnsailing.com 

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. 

This conversation explores how Diane Allen teaches people to access a genuine state of flow by working directly with the nervous system rather than forcing creativity or performance. Her approach uses sound, movement, and deep listening to help people shift out of stress-based patterns and into states of regulation where focus, intuition, and presence naturally emerge. Instead of chasing peak experiences, the emphasis is on learning how to soften attention, quiet internal interference, and recognize the physical and emotional signals that indicate when flow is available.

The discussion also connects her work to science—touching on concepts like nervous system regulation, entrainment, and parasympathetic activation—while keeping the focus on lived experience rather than abstract theory. Flow is framed as a biological and trainable state, not a mystical accident, and one that becomes more accessible as people learn how to listen to their body and respond in real time. The result is a practical, grounded understanding of flow that applies equally to musicians, creatives, performers, and anyone seeking more ease, clarity, and coherence in daily life.

Diane's info is found below.

https://ovou.com/dianeallen

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. 

In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with internationally recognized horse trainer and competitor Tik Maynard for a conversation that goes far beyond horses. Tik shares how working with animals—who respond only to presence, patience, and clarity—reveals the hidden ways humans sabotage learning through fear, impatience, and the need to control outcomes. Horses don’t care about age, résumés, or past mistakes, and that truth becomes a powerful mirror for how we approach change later in life.

Together, Leslie and Tik explore why starting something new after 50 can actually be an advantage, not a setback. They unpack the myth that speed equals success, the cost of rushing growth, and why discomfort is often a sign you’re learning—not failing. This episode is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t require forcing or proving anything; it begins when you slow down, stay curious, and trust that growth has no expiration date.

Find Tik's book at this link:

https://trafalgarbooks.com/collections/biography-memoir/products/starting-in-the-middle

http://copperlineequestrian.com/

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

This interview with Christina Woods goes straight at one of the most dangerous ideas women over 50 are taught to accept: that wanting more means you’re ungrateful or unrealistic. Christina doesn’t talk about “starting over” or chasing some glossy reinvention. Instead, she names the quiet erosion that happens when we stop questioning the rules we inherited about aging, success, and staying safe. Together, we unpack how comfort, people-pleasing, and fear of judgment slowly shrink our world — often without us even realizing it.

What makes this conversation powerful is its mix of honesty and hope. Christina offers a grounded, compassionate challenge to anyone who feels restless but stuck, capable but hesitant. This isn’t about blowing up your life — it’s about reclaiming your authority, trusting your inner voice, and choosing growth even when it feels uncomfortable. If you’ve been sensing there’s more ahead of you — and wondering whether you’re allowed to reach for it — this interview gives you both the permission and the courage to begin.

Christina's Info:

https://christinalwoods.com/

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. 

Today, we are talking to a man who proves that the second half of life is where the real challenges begin. Our guest, Dr. Vincent Pearson, has worn many hats: he’s a practicing pharmacist, a licensed pilot, and a master-level tournament chess player. But what he's done after turning fifty will truly blow you away.

After receiving a wake-up call about his family's health history, Vincent traded the couch for a 10K training schedule, becoming a competitive runner even after a hip replacement. And when his marriage needed a spark? He didn't go to therapy—he went to the bowling alley, where he eventually competed on the PBA Tour. Vincent believes the thrill of competition is "like a drug," and he is relentlessly pursuing mastery in every corner of his life.

Tune in as Dr. Pearson shares the powerful reason why he’s devoted himself to this life of competition and learning—how his pursuit of mastery not only saved his health but also completely redefined his life after fifty. 

Find Vincent in Instagram @ vinnietheconquerer

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. 

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Wendy Walsh breaks down the science of love in a way that finally makes sense for women over 50. She explains why dating has changed, why expectations must shift with age, and why understanding your attachment style is the most important relationship skill you can have. From the paradox of choice on dating apps to the emotional traps of early texting, Dr. Wendy gives practical, research-backed strategies for finding connection without losing yourself in the process.

She also brings deep hope. After two decades as a single mother, Dr. Wendy found the love of her life at 58 and married him this year. She shares what healthy love actually feels like—steady, secure, calm—and why companionship, respect, and emotional maturity matter more now than ever. This episode is a roadmap for navigating late-life relationships with clarity, confidence, and intention, reminding every listener that love is absolutely possible at any age.

Wendy's Info:

https://www.drwendywalsh.com/

**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

In this powerful conversation, Cyrus Mejia—one of the original founders of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary—shares the extraordinary origin story behind what has become the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country. From settling in a remote red-rock canyon with only $5,000 and a vision, to challenging a century-old system that routinely killed millions of shelter animals each year, Cyrus and his team proved that compassion, collaboration, and sheer grit could spark a national movement. He walks us through the early days of building a sanctuary from scratch, the spiritual energy of Angel Canyon, and how Best Friends evolved into a nationwide force with data-driven strategies, partnerships, and on-the-ground teams supporting shelters across the U.S.

Cyrus also dives into the emotional and philosophical side of the work—how art, kindness, transparency, and community form the backbone of true social change, and how he stays grounded in the face of overwhelming need. He offers wisdom on avoiding burnout, navigating group dynamics, and finding meaning and moxie in purpose-driven work. Whether you’re an animal lover, a volunteer, or someone searching for deeper purpose in midlife and beyond, this conversation is a moving reminder that ordinary people, armed with compassion and conviction, can change the world one life at a time.

Cyrus's Info:

https://www.cyrusmejia.com/about-the-artist

https://bestfriends.org/

 **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

Mary Davison is a true inspiration who found a profound sense of meaning and moxie after turning 50. Her remarkable journey into long-distance hiking began at age 60 with the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, which quickly ignited a passion few can match. Her incredible dedication led her to become a certified Triple Crowner, meaning she successfully completed the three most challenging and prestigious trails in the United States: the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). These three trails alone total approximately 8,000 miles, but Mary didn't stop there. She also has tackled the ancient pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago and most recently the vast, coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail.

Now hiking in her 80s and still actively section-hiking, Mary continues to defy expectations and redefine what's possible in later life. She brings a deep, philosophical perspective to her physical challenges, famously stating that "Age is not just a number. It does make a difference eventually. Doesn't mean you can't do anything. It just means you have to do them differently." She has documented her extensive adventures, sharing her hard-won wisdom and practical advice for embracing new challenges. Mary's life is a testament to the idea that regardless of age, you can always find your next big adventure and start wherever you are.

Mary's Info:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mary+e+davison&crid=2S3B3P2KPMTYG&sprefix=mary+davison%2Caps%2C192&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_12

https://thetrek.co/meet-old-lady-on-the-trail-81-year-old-triple-crowner-mary-e-davison/

https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/mary-davidson-thru-hiking/

 **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.