Reinvent Yourself

"What are the signals that our bodies are sending that all of a sudden is telling me to be happy?" This was the question that prompted author and multi-level reinventor Janice Kaplan to write her new book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness (Sourcebooks, January 2025). Kaplan, a former editor-in-chief of Parade Magazine and author of the national bestseller The Gratitude Diaries sits down with CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour to share her unique journey of balancing careers in television production, magazine editing, and writing. Listen in as she reveals what she learned from her gratitude research, including how our physical selves and a mindset of gratitude might just hold the key to lasting joy

Key Points:

Links:

FREE GIFT! 31 Badass Tips for Launching Your Reinvention

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour & CoveyClub:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"It's never too late to pursue a dream," says Yvonne Marchese, host of the Late Bloomer Living podcast. From aspiring actress to mother and later podcast host and photographer, Marchese’s path has been anything but linear. “Midlife is full of possibility,” she tells me. “We have this little golden moment in time where we can affect change.” Tune in to hear how Marchese embraced identity shifts, creativity, and storytelling to navigate her reinvention and inspire others.

Key Points:

• Embracing midlife as a time of opportunity and potential for change.

Links:

• Late Bloomer Living

FREE GIFT! 31 Badass Tips for Launching Your Reinvention

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour & CoveyClub:

• Website

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

Voices for Change: Rebecca Hart Holder on Empowering Reproductive Freedom "Abortion is healthcare, and healthcare is a human right – full stop." So says Rebecca Hart Holder, president of Reproductive Equity Now and co-founder of the State Abortion Access Network. As the landscape of reproductive rights faces unprecedented challenges,  Hart Holder joins Lesley Jane Seymour to shares her personal journey of reinvention and her relentless advocacy for reproductive healthcare as a fundamental human right. With a focus on state-level action and community engagement, Hart Holder offers insights into how individuals can make a significant impact, regardless of political climate or state affiliation. This episode is a call to action for listeners to harness their voices, support reproductive freedom, and ensure healthcare access for all.

Bio: Rebecca Hart Holder is the President of Reproductive Equity Now and a co-founder of the State Abortion Access Network. Rebecca has dedicated her career to ensuring all people have access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care. As President of Reproductive Equity Now, Rebecca and her team have secured critical legislative victories to safeguard and expand reproductive freedom in Massachusetts, and recently expanded the organization's advocacy work to New Hampshire and Connecticut. Rebecca has been recognized for her work as one of Out Magazine's 2022 Top 100 LGBTQ+ Policy Makers and Advocates  and by the Boston Business Journal’s Power 50 Leaders.  

Key Points:

- Reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right that encompasses more than just abortion access.

- State-level advocacy is crucial in the fight for reproductive freedom, especially in the face of federal challenges.

- Community involvement and local political engagement can drive significant change.

- Sharing personal stories and experiences can shift the narrative and increase support for reproductive rights.

- Reinvention requires resilience, support networks, and a refusal to accept "no" as an answer.

Links:

• Reproductive Equity Now

FREE GIFT! 31 Badass Tips for Launching Your Reinvention

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour & CoveyClub:

• Website

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"Our brains are set up to keep us safe, not to keep us happy, says Michelle Phillips, president of Key Performance and author of Happiness is a Habit. In this conversation with CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour she shares her 23-year entrepreneurial journey and reveals how daily rituals boost energy, well-being, and joy. She discusses her shift from sales to becoming a corporate trainer for Fortune 500 companies, highlighting the role of mindset and small habits in creating big changes. Michelle's story emphasizes the power of positive psychology and supportive networks in personal and professional growth.

Bio: Michelle Phillips is the president of Key Performance and the author of Happiness is a Habit: Simple Daily Rituals that Increase Energy, Improve Well-being, and Add Joy to Every Day. With over 20 years of experience, she has guided Fortune 500 companies worldwide, including TAG Heuer, Pfizer, and Verizon, in leadership and positive psychology.

Time Stamps

02:15 - Michelle Phillips on her early career

06:18 - Reinvention is all about mindset - here's why

09:46 - Helping people with more than just their job has become the norm

12:35 - Tiny habits coaching helps people through transition

18:15 - Happiness gets a bad rap because people think it's fake

19:17 - Why women take themselves out of game too soon in corporate life

25:04 - Do you see any difference in how women see their future versus the men?

25:51 - Coming out of sales and to write a book

Key Points:

- Mindset and tiny habits are crucial for personal and professional transformation.

- Positive psychology and optimism can be learned and applied to enhance life satisfaction.

- Women should embrace their value and potential, continuing to grow and contribute in their careers.

- Supportive networks and mentorship can significantly impact one's journey of reinvention.

Links and Resources:

Visit Michelle Phillips' Website

Buy Happiness is a Habit

FREE GIFT! 31 Badass Tips for Launching Your Reinvention

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour & CoveyClub:

• Website

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

In this episode of "Reinvent Yourself," host Lesley Jane Seymour is joined by Jeannie Ralston, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Next Tribe. Together, they explore Jeannie's journey of transforming a digital magazine into a thriving travel company for women over 45. Delve into the challenges and triumphs of pivoting from a passion project to a profitable business, and discover how Jeannie leveraged her background in travel writing to curate unique experiences that foster deep connections and lifelong memories. This conversation is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of community and adaptability in business.

Bio:

Jeannie Ralston is the co-founder and CEO of Next Tribe, a company that began as a digital magazine and has evolved into a travel company catering to smart, engaged women over 45. With her extensive background in travel writing and planning, Jeannie curates transformative trips that connect travelers with local women and cultures. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering women to age boldly and embrace new adventures.

00:48 - How Jeannie Ralston is turning a passion play into a real business

02:24 - Next Tribe started life as a digital magazine for women over 45

06:04 - Figuring out the reinvention that's right for you

06:29 - How Nextribe has pivoted from travel to a digital magazine business

10:21 - NextTribe caters to women who believe midlife is not the end of anything

17:53 - Navigating through multiple business pivots

21:59 - How Ralston met her co-founder Jeannie Edmonds

31:17 - Ralston's advice for women trying to turn their passion into a business

Key Points:

• Transforming a passion play into a viable business requires adaptability and innovation.

Links and Resources:

• Visit Next Tribe

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"You are the only one that's responsible for your own happiness," says Karen Amster-Young, a strategic advisor, author, and journalist. She joins Lesley Jane Seymour to discuss the art of getting unstuck and the nuances of reinvention in today's fast-paced world. With her extensive background in communications and public relations, Amster-Young shares insights from her book, The 52 Weeks, and her personal experiences of overcoming life's hurdles. This episode delves into the reasons why people get stuck, particularly women over 40, and explores practical steps to regain momentum. From embracing baby steps to revisiting past passions and establishing new rituals, this conversation offers a treasure trove of advice for anyone seeking to navigate life's transitions with resilience and creativity. 

Bio:  

Karen Amster-Young is a strategic advisor for communications agencies, an author and a journalist. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Insider.com, Hamptons magazine and many other regional and national media platforms, and the author of the nonfiction book The 52 Weeks: Two Women and Their Quest to Get Unstuck, with Stories and Ideas to Jumpstart Your Year of Discovery (Skyhorse, 2013). She shares stories and gives back to various causes.

Timestamps:

01:28 - Karen Amster-Young's history as a public relations consultant and author

04:44 - Her year of getting unstuck and reinventing herself

05:24 - Why do women over 40 get stuck? What are they getting stuck on?

09:53 - What she learned about getting unstuck from interviewing experts

15:48 - "I think there's evergreen messages about getting unstuck and reinvention"

22:53 - What are the advantages of working remotely now versus 20 years ago?

24:05 - What else have you seen that can help people get unstuck today?

29:29 - How giving back is really important for keeping you mentally and physically healthy

Key Points:

- Taking baby steps can help overcome paralysis and fear.

- Revisiting past passions and trying new things can reignite joy and creativity.

- Community support and friendships are crucial in navigating life's transitions.

- The current flexibility and accessibility of resources make reinvention more achievable than ever.

- Giving back can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Links and Resources:

Visit Karen Amster-Young's Website

Follow Karen on Instagram

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn

Explore CoveyClub

If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"Change is inevitable," says Niamh McAnally, an Irish-born author, speaker, and former TV director. "You've got to be ready for the next kind of reinvention." In this conversation McAnally shares her incredible journey of reinvention, from working in television to becoming a scuba instructor, to living on a sailboat with the love of her life. Discover how McAnally found her true calling and a profound love in the most unexpected places. This episode is a testament to the power of embracing change, following your passions, and finding love later in life. 

Bio: Niamh McAnally y is an Irish-born bestselling author, keynote and corporate speaker, and former TV director. She is the youngest daughter of the late BAFTA award-winning actor Ray McAnally and actress Ronnie Masterson. Neif has traveled the world, living and working as a volunteer in many island nations in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. She is known for her adventurous spirit and her new memoir, "Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, and Around the Heart."

01:28 - Introducing Niamh McAnally

03:04 - Growing up in Ireland taught her that change is inevitable

04:06 -McAnally's background

06:09 - Work life and history

08:11 - How did you get published and where were you published?

12:53 - When you have a major change, it's very helpful to stop and think

15:27 - McAnally's through the middle age from homelessness to a captivating global quest

19:28 - One of the most important things as you get older is staying curious

25:17 - Stay present in the moment is the key to success in life

25:35 - McAnally's tips and tricks for older women traveling alone

28:21 - McAnally talks about saving money by traveling the world as a volunteer

Key Points:

• Embracing change can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

Links and Resources:

• Niamh McAnally's Website

If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

“He was our true north,” says Marianne Leone of her son Jesse; “He was the best thing that ever happened to us.” An actress, screenwriter, and essayist, Leone shares her deeply personal journey of navigating profound loss and finding solace and purpose through writing and rescuing dogs. In this heartfelt conversation, Lesley Jane Seymour delves into Leone's story of losing her son Jesse at 17 and how she reinvented herself through art and advocacy. Discover how Leone's experiences with grief, love, and recovery led her to write her latest memoir, "Five Dog Epiphany," which beautifully intertwines her life with the joy and healing brought by her rescue dogs. This episode is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of creativity and compassion.

Bio: Marianne Leone is an accomplished actress, screenwriter, and essayist whose work has appeared in prestigious publications like the Boston Globe and Lithub. She is the author of two memoirs, "Jesse" and "Ma Speaks Up." Leone had a recurring role on HBO's "The Sopranos" and has appeared in films by directors such as Martin Scorsese and David O. Russell. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and continues to inspire through her writing and advocacy.

Timestamps

(03:50) - Introducing Marianne Leone

(07:04) - She stopped acting after she had her son ten weeks early

(09:29) - Jesse was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three

(13:20) - How dogs can help nonverbal individuals

(16:40) - Why rescuing dogs isn't easy - but is worth it

(19:42) - Where animals fit into Leone's family

(21:51) - How dogs are responsive in our lives

(22:18) - How signs from the universe impacted her grief

(26:13) -Seeing hawks and a fox: symbolism through animals

(29:45) - Marianne Leone's book about her son Jesse is called Five Dog Epiphany

Key Points:

- Art and writing can serve as powerful tools for healing and transformation.

- Rescuing animals can bring unexpected joy and help in the grieving process.

- Personal loss can lead to advocacy and a deeper understanding of life's purpose.

- Spiritual signs and connections can provide comfort and guidance during tough times.

Links and Resources:

Preorder "Five Dog Epiphany" by Marianne Leone

Support independent bookstores

Visit Covey Club

If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

 "When God tells you it's time to reinvent, you listen," says Staci Wallace, best-selling author, speaker, and CEO of Fueled by Fire. In this episode, Lesley Jane Seymour sat down with Wallace to explore a unique perspective on reinvention driven by faith and divine inspiration. From her early days as a tough tomboy in South Dallas to becoming a business strategist who has shared the stage with five U.S. presidents, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover how she transitioned from a life of entrepreneurial success to leading a purpose-driven, faith-based consulting company that empowers others to create highly profitable businesses that glorify God. Wallace also shares her personal experience with physical and spiritual transformation, including a heartfelt discussion about her decision to remove breast implants for health reasons. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking to reinvent themselves at any stage of life.

Bio

Staci Wallace is a best-selling author, speaker, and CEO of Fueled by Fire, a global faith-based consulting company. With 35 years of expertise in business psychology and leadership development, she empowers entrepreneurs, CEOs, and influencers to create purpose-driven, highly profitable businesses and nonprofit organizations. Stacey and her husband Larry are also the founders of Em Women, a nonprofit organization that rescues and restores the lives of women and girls facing life's most difficult challenges.

02:54 - Wallace started out in network marketing at 18 and has built multiple businesses

08:14 - The intersection of midlife and reinvention

14:51 - Wallace's health journey and miracle

18:25 - Wallace says God asked her to give everything away to the poor

24:08 - Fueled by Fire coaches entrepreneurs to become conduits of generosity

24:53 - How Fueled by Fire became a million dollar business

26:06 - Wallace's three tips for reinvention

• Reinvention can be driven by divine inspiration and faith.

• Visit Staci Wallace's Website

If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"What to do when you feel like crap" is the unfiltered, honest theme of this episode, featuring the inspiring Heather Chauvin. A leadership coach and former social worker, Chauvin helps successful women live, work, and parent on their own terms. She shares her journey from an early motherhood at 18 to a life-altering stage four cancer diagnosis in 2013, which propelled her into a mission to uncover how cultural expectations sabotage our dreams. Join us as Chauvin discusses the concept of being "emotionally uncomfortable," the importance of self-awareness, and actionable steps to transform your life.

Bio:

Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach specializing in helping women courageously and authentically live, work, and parent on their own terms. She began her career as a social worker and pivoted to coaching after a stage four cancer diagnosis in 2013. Heather is passionate about helping women uncover how cultural expectations sabotage their dreams and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Real Simple, MindBodyGreen, and Google.

(00:00) - Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach who helps women live on their own terms

(01:49) - The meaning behind "emotionally uncomfortable"

(02:19) - Six months after becoming self employed, Chauvin was diagnosed with stage four cancer

(07:58) - Danielle Laporte says burning out started when she became a mother

(15:13) - People often teach that you have to lead by example to change others

(22:17) - Chauvin discusses her health and where she is now

(24:10) - Heather says women are more open to talking about mental health and emotional wellness

Key Points:

• Embracing emotional discomfort can lead to profound personal growth.

Links and Resources:

• Heather Chauvin's Website

If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!