This year has been a whirlwind, hasn't it? For Sylvia & Me, October marked a huge milestone – our 5th anniversary! Five years of conversations, stories, and connections. Five years of incredible women sharing their wisdom, their laughter, and sometimes, their tears.

Over these past five years, I've had the privilege of interviewing just under 200 women. Each one with a unique story to tell, each one inspiring and empowering in their own way. This podcast has always been about giving women a platform to share their experiences, their triumphs, their challenges, and their wisdom.

When I decided to retire, I said now I'm going to do the little things that have been tucked away.

Just in time to celebrate the holidays…Mary Barneby is back! Forget rocking chairs and bingo! Mary Barneby is rewriting the rules of retirement. She's 'rewiring'! This former CEO is trading boardrooms for book launches and wedding vows. Join me as I catch up with Mary, one of our first-ever guests, and discover how she's embracing her "life après" with energy and enthusiasm. Get ready to be inspired to live your best life, no matter what stage you're at!

Former CEO of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut and Regional CEO of the American Red Cross, Mary shares her secrets to finding purpose and passion in this new chapter. Plus, we delve into the fascinating fact that both organizations she led were founded by women in their 50s and 60s – proving it's never too late to make a difference!

Join me with fellow podcast host Lucy Meggeson, the host of Spinsterhood Reimagined.  Lucy debunks myths about relationship bliss and celebrates the freedom and fulfillment of being single and childfree.

In this insightful podcast, Lucy Meggeson delves into the myths surrounding relationships and challenges societal expectations placed on women.  Listeners will be empowered to take control of their lives. Believing and loving yourself is key to being happy. Spinsterhood is no longer the old, lonely woman sitting by the window. Whether you're happily childfree or seeking liberation from societal norms, this episode will leave you feeling positive and excited about your life on this vast, spinning planet we call home.

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Phyllis Ayman, author of Dignity & Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve?, who coined the empowering term "Evolving Elders." Phyllis challenges the negative connotations associated with aging and champions a person-centered approach to care and caregiving.

The nonprofit Mercy Learning Center empowers low-income women, including immigrants and those who haven't completed high school, through education. They provide free childcare, ensuring mothers can focus on achieving their goals. "When you give a woman the tools to believe in herself, the possibilities are limitless," says CEO Lindsay Wyman.

'Every day of your life is an improv scene.'

Erin “Big” Diehl is a business improv edutainer, 'failfluencer', and keynote speaker. Founder and CEO of improve it! Erin created a unique professional development company. Erin uses improvisational comedy and experiential learning to thrive in ever-changing environments. And she does it with a whole lot of laughs along the way.

Erin combined her eighteen years of leadership experience with her improvisational comedy expertise to create a mindset shift for busy, stressed out leaders in her newest Amazon Best-Seller and Top New Release, I SEE YOU!

In her memoir Golden Handcuffs: An Immigrant's Pursuit of Happiness, Varuni tells her story. From gilded life to 'golden handcuffs' Varuni shares a story that is not readily known. An immigrant's story and the hoops that were necessary to navigate. Her home was India, she met her husband in India, an American living in America. Varuni's journey through immigration and visas, school, work, social isolation and family. How resilience and strength got her through.

Who knew ... really, she had no idea but her 'why not' attitude made Annie Korzen an 'accidental influencer'. Who would want to watch an eighty-something on Tik-Tok? Turns out over 435,000 would. Annie calls herself 'a comedic storyteller', a term she coined as we spoke. She'd appeared in the hit series Seinfield because she said 'why not'. That attitude has led her to take risks, to live life with humor and not be afraid to face life. Annie is a writer, teacher, speaker, actress and sensation. And author of The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer.

Live from Noble Salon we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of "Sylvia & Me'  with Women of a Certain Age. Our first live, in-person podcast and a conversation with a group of Women of a Certain Age.  Sharing stories, insights and experiences, these ladies are not going to be 'aged out'! Friendship, trust, overcoming fear and having each other's backs! With more than 30 years on various stages, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional Theater and more, ladies let's kick up our heels. Going past their comfort zone, anything goes. The ladies: Ann Alford, Lynne Colatrella, Tracey Marble, Ellen Krinick-Porto and Gail Yudain and their musical director Jerold Goldstein.

A huge shoutout to all who have had my back and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. And a big thank you to all the women who have shared their stories.

“Gay dares to write for me, for women – things we can never say.”

Jacqueline 'Gay' Walley's latest novel, "The Waw," takes readers on a mesmerizing journey from New York to the serene English seaside. Through her insightful storytelling, Gay uncovers the innermost thoughts of women. She leads us on a captivating quest to explore 'The Waw,' the ultimate oasis.