The Midlife Chrysalis

You Can’t Scare Me: Hoda Kotb on Starting Over and Fearless Living After 50


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At 40, Hoda Kotb’s world fell apart—cancer, divorce, and the dream of having children slipping away. But what came next wasn’t the end. It was a beginning.


In this amazing episode, Hoda opens up about surviving breast cancer, finding the courage to adopt at 52, and learning that her 50s would become the most meaningful years of her life. She shares raw moments, unexpected joy, and the wisdom that only comes from starting over.


If you're navigating change or wondering if it's too late to begin again, this episode will speak straight to your heart. Subscribe to Midlife Chrysalis and join our community for more stories that prove the second half of life can be the best half.


Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:23 Growing Up in an Immigrant Family

03:25 Childhood in Nigeria and Egypt

05:49 Rejection, Resilience, and Unexpected Opportunities

08:27 A Tumultuous Early 40s: Marriage, Cancer & Change

14:14 Aging On-Air and Thriving in Her 50s

17:26 Adoption at 52 and the Joy of Motherhood

23:32 Love & Relationships Later in Life

28:59 Stepping Away from the Today Show

32:51 Starting a New Business at 60

34:39 Gratitude for Her Mom

36:22 Lessons from Her 60s: Be a Beginner Again

41:26 Hoda’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker

44:05 Closing Reflections


Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/


#HodaKotb #MidlifeChrysalis #WomenOver50 #BreastCancerSurvivor #MidlifeTransformation #ReinventionAfter50 #AdoptionStory #LifeAfterCancer #StartingOverAt50 #InspirationalWomen #PersonalGrowthJourney #LateBloomerSuccess #CareerChangeAfter50 #FindingPurposeInMidlife #NeverTooLate

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The Midlife ChrysalisBy Chip Conley

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