Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of Your Life Over 50, Jean Green welcomes speaker and communication mentor Roksana Zaya, whose journey from silence to self-expression will leave you deeply moved. Roksana opens up about her early life as an immigrant child navigating war, isolation, and a household where her voice was silenced—and how those experiences ultimately led her to develop the powerful SPEAK Method Program.

Through heartfelt conversation and personal stories, Roksana shares how communication is about more than just words—it's about presence, connection, and the courage to be seen and heard. You’ll learn how every gesture, every story, and every stage (even your living room) can be a platform for transformation.

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or someone rediscovering your voice later in life, this episode is filled with encouragement, wisdom, and practical insight to help you show up confidently and authentically.

🎙️ Topics we explore:

Grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and enjoy this powerful conversation that reminds us: your voice matters—and it’s never too late to use it. 

Roksana Zaya information: Speaker Mastery Facebook Group. Profile Page is Roksana Zaya, Expert Speaker. Instagram.com/roksana.zaya

Check out YOUR LIFE OVER 50, FACEBOOK GROUP 

www.facebook.com/groups/yourlifeover50/

Tony focuses on patient mobility and safety. She explains that healthcare workers have high injury rates, even higher than construction workers! Her job is to keep both staff and patients safe by making sure patients can move around safely. She believes nobody should stay in bed if they can get up and move around, to avoid health problems from not moving enough.

When veterans come to VA facilities, Tony and her team set up mobility goals for them. They assess what patients can do, and if they can't stand on their own, they provide special harnesses to help them walk without falling. Her team follows patients not just in hospitals but also in clinics, homes, and communities.

Tony explains that when patients feel depressed about their mobility issues, her team focuses on what's meaningful to the individual and works with them to develop goals. She created a chart system that tracks patients' progress over time with a house, sun, and trees at the top representing the goal of returning home. This visual helps patients, families, and staff see progress even during ups and downs.

Besides her healthcare work, Tony travels internationally for speaking engagements and pleasure. She especially enjoys visiting places connected to Bible stories, like Israel and Egypt. She's planning to retire on a cruise ship in a few years, saying it's "cheaper than a nursing home" and lets her travel while keeping her brain active.

Tony's advice for women over 50 is to focus on emotional and mental wellness first, as this drives physical health. She encourages staying active and connected, not giving up, and embracing purpose. She got her doctorate in public health after age 50 and believes you're "as young as you wish to be." 

In this episode of Your Life Over 50, Jean interviews Caryn, a vibrant 51-year-old life coach from Omaha, Nebraska. Caryn used to be a dietitian and endurance coach, but now she helps women, especially those between 45 and 55, learn how to love themselves and prioritize their own health and happiness.

She talks about how many women spend years caring for everyone else and often forget to take care of themselves. Caryn encourages women to start each day by checking in with their own feelings and needs—even just placing a hand over their heart and asking, “What do I want today?” She believes that small changes, like this morning habit, can help women reconnect with who they are.

Caryn shares her personal journey, including going through a divorce about ten years ago, and how that hard time led her to start focusing on self-love and personal growth. She also talks about the guilt many women feel when doing something for themselves and how she had to work through that feeling over time.

She explains how her career started in hospitals helping people eat better after serious health scares. Over time, though, she realized she wanted to help people before they got sick. That’s what led her to mindset coaching, because she saw that emotions and beliefs often affect our health choices more than just food plans.

Caryn also shares her passion for running. She’s completed marathons, half-marathons, and even an Ironman triathlon! She loves helping other women train for races and build healthy habits. For her, running isn’t about speed—it’s about feeling strong and being in nature.

At the end of the conversation, Caryn encourages women over 50 to dream big, take care of their bodies, and believe that they can still do amazing things. She says it’s never too late to start something new and become who you want to be.

You can find Caryn on Facebook under her name, or on Instagram at @carynfemininefrequency. She’s also rebranding her business to “Abundant and Aligned Mind and Body.” 

If you have questions or comments, reach out to Caryn.

If you would like to be a guest on "Your Life Over 50" the podcast, contact me at: [email protected]

Check out our Facebook Group: Your Life Over 50 at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourlifeover50 

I

In this heartfelt episode, Jean sits down with Sidney Gabaldon, an Air Force veteran who is now stepping into a brand-new calling as a full-time missionary. Sidney shares her inspiring journey from military service to preparing for her first mission assignment in the Middle East.

She opens up about how she never saw herself as someone “qualified” to share her faith, and how God gently guided her through doubts, fears, and big life changes to get her to where she is today. From serving in Mexico and doing discipleship work, to a life-changing training experience in Zambia, Sidney talks about how each step brought her closer to saying yes to God's plan.

You’ll hear about the challenges of fundraising, the power of obedience, and what it means to boldly share your faith, even when you’re scared. Sidney also encourages women over 50 who may feel “too old” or “too late” to follow a dream. Her message is clear: if God is calling you, He will qualify you.

This episode is full of wisdom, courage, and hope for anyone wondering if they still have more to give or more to do in this next chapter of life. Sidney’s story is proof that it’s never too late to answer the call.

🕊️ To support Sidney:📧 Email: [email protected]💖 Donate: overlandmissions.com/donate/letsgo

Be sure to keep Sidney in your prayers as she steps into this next mission. 

If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a comment and remember to subscribe.

Check out our Facebook group: Your Life Over 50 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourlifeover50 

In this inspiring episode of Your Life Over 50, host Jean sits down with guest Sonya Nightingale, a vibrant entrepreneur in her mid-50s who runs two online businesses that empower women—especially those over 50—to feel confident and capable. Sonja is known as the “Fairy Bra Mother”, a title that perfectly fits her first business, where she has helped over 4,000 women find comfort, support, and confidence through properly fitted bras. What began as a personal, transformative experience at a bra expo led her to overcome her extreme shyness and launch a thriving business that not only changed her life but deeply impacted the lives of her clients—some even brought to tears after seeing their new silhouette and feeling seen for the first time in years. Her second venture, Blue Bonnet Travel by Sonya, was born out of her love for the trips she earned through her bra business. With a focus on disability-friendly travel, solo travel for women, and all-inclusive vacations, Sonja is passionate about helping women—especially those hesitant to travel alone—experience the world safely and joyfully. She candidly shares her own challenges, including autism, chronic pain, 27 surgeries, and moments of self-doubt, yet proves that determination, mindset, and support can make anything possible. Despite a period of marital tension over her travel schedule, Sonja's husband ultimately became her biggest supporter, recognizing how much her work meant to her. She credits much of her growth to business coaching, tools like CRM systems, and the encouragement of her clients and peers. Sonya’s heartfelt advice to women over 50 is clear: “It’s never too late to start something new. If I can do it with my limitations, you can, too.” She closes by sharing her upcoming plans for a group cruise to Alaska designed for women over 50 and the possibility of organizing other inclusive travel experiences. You can connect with Sonya via email or on Facebook (details below), and she welcomes those ready to reclaim their confidence—whether through the right bra or the right destination. This episode is a rich blend of laughter, learning, and encouragement—perfect for any woman looking for a second-chapter spark. 

Thank you for subscribing and leaving us a review

Check out Your Life Over 50 facebook group: Your Life Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourlifeover50

Find Stacey on Facebook at "Do the Thing Collaboration" https://www.facebook.com/groups/dothethingcollaboration

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and family, and leave a comment! 

In this enlightening episode, host Jean welcomes Vickie Poole, a multifaceted professional who wears many hats as a transformational coach, certified hypnotist, hair stylist, community builder, and fellow podcaster.

Preparing for Retirement & Finding Purpose with Carmen

In this episode of Your Life Over 50, I sit down with Carmen Montijo, the creator of Just Join In, a Facebook community focused on helping pre-retirees and retirees prepare for this next stage of life.

Carmen shares her journey of navigating retirement, the identity shifts that come with it, and the importance of staying socially and mentally active. We dive into:

✅ The importance of planning ahead – From Social Security to Medicare, Carmen breaks down what you need to know before you retire to avoid common pitfalls.✅ Finding purpose after retirement – Whether it’s turning a hobby into a side hustle, staying engaged in community activities, or even starting a podcast, Carmen talks about ways to keep life fulfilling.✅ Maintaining routine & social connections – Why having a daily structure and staying involved in groups can make all the difference in your happiness post-retirement.✅ Downsizing & lifestyle choices – Should you simplify your living situation before retirement? Carmen shares her thoughts on this and why planning ahead is key.✅ Resources & Support – Carmen’s Just Join In group is full of educational resources, guest interviews, and practical advice to help you transition smoothly into retirement.

Carmen’s energy is contagious, and her insights are invaluable! If you’re approaching retirement or already there but feeling a little lost, this episode is for you.

📌 Join Carmen’s Facebook Group: Just Join In📧 Contact Carmen: [email protected]

And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Your Life Over 50 for more conversations that inspire, encourage, and help you navigate this exciting new chapter!

🎧 Listen now & let’s keep the conversation going! 

Carmen’s children’s ebook series on Amazon Kindle

Ebook-1.. Tying Shoes

https://a.co/d/0m75jeT

Ebook-2.. Brushing Your Teeth

https://amzn.to/40Ji2Mp)

Ebook-3.. Zip it Up!

https://amzn.to/410dfVX

Little Life Skills Adventure: My Magical ShoeTying Adventure

is an engaging and educational collection aimed at young children, particularly those in kindergarten. Each installment of the series focuses on a specific life skill, using colorful illustrations and relatable characters to make learning fun and interactive. 

 Episode Summary:Have you ever wondered about your family’s history? In this episode of Your Life Over 50, Jean sits down with Kathy Lynn Marshall, a genealogy expert who turned her love of research into a mission to help people uncover their roots.

Kathy shares how she spent 40 years gathering family documents before realizing she could use the skills from her career to organize everything and write books about her ancestors. She explains how anyone—no matter their background—can start tracing their family history, even if they don’t know much.

In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How to start your own genealogy search, even if your elders have passed✅ The best free and paid tools to help you find family records✅ Why DNA testing can reveal surprising (and sometimes shocking) family connections✅ How to organize documents and turn them into a family history book✅ Kathy’s discoveries, including a story of an enslaved ancestor’s journey to freedom

Whether you're curious about your ancestors or want to leave a legacy for your children, this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice. Kathy makes genealogy feel exciting, like solving a mystery—because, in many ways, it is!

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

FamilySearch.org – Free genealogy research tool

GEDmatch.com – DNA comparison database

Kathy Lynn Marshall’s Books – Available on Amazon

Afro-American Family History Seminar (AAFHSS) – Annual genealogy event

Dr. Shelle Murphy's fun Freedmen's Bureau Fridays

Bernice Bennett's amazing research shows

Genealogy Adventures on TV360

📩 Stay Connected:

🎧 Listen Now: https://yourlifeover50.callcast.co

Don't forget to subscribe to Your Life Over 50

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review!

Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourlifeover50/ 

SUMMARY

This episode of "Your Life Over 50" introduces us to Sebrena Lindsay. Her story beautifully illustrates how life's different chapters can bring unexpected joy and wisdom. Let me walk you through the key elements of her story and what makes it so compelling.

First, let's look at Sebrena's journey into motherhood. She started as a teenage mom at 19, living abroad with her military husband. What's particularly interesting is how she approached this early challenge - instead of trying to figure everything out alone, she embraced the wisdom of her "village," learning from her mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. This foundation of accepting guidance and support would later shape her own approach to life's challenges.

Her parenting experience is fascinating because she had what she calls "two only children" - sons born 12 years apart. Think about how different the world was between her first and second child. This experience taught her something crucial: every child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It's a lesson that would prove valuable in her next role.

Now, here's where her story takes an unexpected turn. When Sebrena became a grandmother, she didn't settle into a traditional grandmother role. Instead, she learned to rollerblade, skateboard, and mountain bike in her late 50s to keep up with her grandson, Kaizen. This isn't just about physical activities - it represents a profound philosophy about aging that challenges common perspectives.

Speaking of aging, Sebrena introduces a powerful concept: she's not "anti-aging" but "pro-aging." Think about that distinction for a moment. Instead of fighting against the natural process of getting older, she sees aging as a privilege that not everyone gets to experience. This perspective shifts the entire conversation from one of resistance to one of appreciation.

Her approach to wellness is particularly enlightening because it's holistic. She uses what I'd call the "oxygen mask principle" - just like on airplanes where you're instructed to put your own mask on first before helping others, Sabrina emphasizes the importance of self-care. But here's the key: she's not talking about surface-level care. She combines physical health (through strength training and proper nutrition), emotional well-being, and spiritual growth through her faith.

What makes her message especially relevant is how she addresses modern challenges. She acknowledges that our parents' generation might have aged differently because of simpler lifestyles, less processed foods, and more natural movement in their daily routines. Yet rather than just pointing this out, she offers practical ways to incorporate these benefits into our modern lives.

The conversation ends with a particularly timely message about community and resilience. Sebrena advises her listeners to stay connected with their community, especially during challenging times. She uses a memorable metaphor for handling uncertain times: "Pop some popcorn, sit back and watch." This isn't about being passive, but rather about maintaining peace and perspective through faith and community support.

Throughout the episode, Sebrena weaves together practical advice with deeper wisdom. She helps us understand that aging well isn't just about maintaining physical health or appearance - it's about embracing each stage of life with grace, staying active and engaged, and maintaining strong connections with both family and community.