Summary:Journey with us in this enlightening episode of Life Over 50 as host Jean sitsdown with Yvette Wilhite, a compassionate licensed marriage and familycounselor whose path to therapy began with 20 years of dedicated service in theAir Force. With warmth and wisdom, Yvette opens up about her mission to helpothers navigate life's challenges through therapy. 

Yvette brings a refreshing perspective to mental health care. She beautifully explains how therapy isn't just for crisis moments – it's a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you're dealing with grief, relationship challenges, or life transitions, Yvette's insights offer hope and practical guidance. 

Don't miss her valuable recommendations, including Brené Brown's work on trust andvulnerability, and her candid discussion about how the pandemic has transformedmental health awareness and treatment options. 

Ready to take the next step in your journey? Connect with Yvette: 

Yvette offers both telehealth and traditional therapy services, meeting you where youare on your path to healing and growth. As she warmly reminds us, "We alldeserve happiness" – and sometimes, we just need a little support alongthe way. 

Join us for this heartfelt conversation that might just change how you think aboutmental health and personal growth. This episode isn't just informative – it's agentle reminder that it's okay to seek help and that healing is alwayspossible. 

Tune in, take notes, and take heart – because your journey to better mental health mightstart with this very episode. 

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Episode Summary

Welcome back to Your Life Over 50! In this first episode of the new year, Jean reflects on the lessons learned from 2024—both the successes and the unexpected shifts along the way. While she didn’t hit her original goal of publishing 60 episodes, she celebrates the progress made and the growth experienced.

Jean encourages listeners to take a moment of reflection:

She shares a powerful story about receiving an Amaryllis plant as a gift—one she assumed she’d kill, yet it thrived and flourished, mirroring the unexpected growth that happens when we let go of control and allow life to unfold.

Jean also invites listeners to explore their passions and rediscover their joy with three reflection questions:

To help cultivate more joy in 2025, Jean introduces the Joy Jar or Happiness Journal Challenge—a simple practice of recording one joyful moment each day for three months. She encourages listeners to try it and see how it transforms their perspective.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps more women in their second chapter of life find our growing community.

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Show Notes: Bulletproof Your Taxes: Strategies for Smarter Filing and Planning

In this insightful episode of Your Life Over 50, host Jean sits down with Ira Williams, founder of Bulletproof Tax and Accounting Firm, to discuss practical tax strategies tailored for women over 50. Whether you’re navigating life after a major transition or simply looking to make tax season less stressful, Ira provides expert advice and actionable tips to help you stay organized, maximize deductions, and plan for the future.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to Your Life Over 50. Until next time, remember: a little planning today can lead to big savings tomorrow!

Featured Book:"Changing your Tax Deduction Mindset" by Ira Williams (Available on Amazon)

 Episode Summary:

In this episode of Your Life Over 50, host Jean sits down with Lena Jones, who pursued a bucket list item and is getting PhD in public policy, Lena confessed to be a rabbit independent, and enjoys being such. She is a seasoned observer of politics and a passionate advocate for community engagement, to reflect on the latest election results. Together, they explore the shifting demographics of voter behavior, the evolving roles of local and national politics, and the historical lessons that continue to shape today’s political landscape. Lena shares her insights on the challenges of party loyalty, the importance of grassroots efforts, and why all politics are ultimately local. They also discuss the resilience of communities in the face of change and how we can embrace our responsibility as "our sisters' and brothers' keepers." This thought-provoking conversation is a call to action to stay engaged, keep the faith, and work together for a brighter future.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make an impact in your community or navigate the complexities of today’s political climate, this episode is for you! 

Show Notes Summary:

In this episode of Your Life Over 50, host Jean welcomes Brenda Holts, founder of the Sew Amazing facebook group, a group centered aroound sewing education. Brenda shares her inspiring journey from childhood fascination with quilting to becoming an experienced dressmaker, fashion designer, and now a dedicated sewing instructor. Brenda talks about her unique approach to teaching sewing, catering to students as young as five and as old as fifty. She explains how her classes go beyond sewing techniques, instilling life skills like patience, respect, and confidence in her students.

Throughout the conversation, Brenda reflects on her diverse experiences in the sewing industry, from designing custom garments and altering wedding dresses to leading fashion shows and teaching homeschool classes. She also shares her vision for future projects, including 'Sip & Sew' events and expanded online courses aimed at making sewing accessible to a broader audience. Brenda’s passion for sewing shines through, as she discusses how the craft has become a ministry for her, helping students of all ages discover their creativity and build self-confidence.

Tune in to hear Brenda’s heartfelt stories, practical sewing wisdom, and her advice for anyone looking to pick up sewing, whether as a beginner or as a way to reconnect with a lost hobby. If you’re interested in learning more or joining one of her classes, Brenda shares her contact information and the social media pages where you can find her work.

Be sure to check out the links in the show notes for more details on Brenda’s offerings and to follow her inspiring journey in the world of sewing. Brenda's Contact information:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Kasha Creations, Instagram: KfashionsPlace, Youtudbe: Brenda Holts

Show Notes Summary:

In this episode of Your Life Over 50, Jean chats with Janssen Brooks, author of the book Strive to Finish First: What Can African-Americans Learn from Nigerian Immigrants? Janssen shares his journey, from growing up in the Deep South during the civil rights era to discovering the surprising success stories of Nigerian immigrants in the United States. He discusses the cultural mindsets and values that drive Nigerian families to prioritize education and aim for high achievements across generations.

Janssen dives into key findings from his research, including the impressive educational statistics of Nigerian immigrants and the lessons he believes can be applied to African-American communities. He explains the importance of setting high expectations for children, pursuing fields of study with strong career prospects, and the critical role of parental involvement in shaping educational success.

Listeners will also hear inspiring stories of successful Nigerian-Americans, like Dr. Bennet Omalu, the pioneer in concussion research, and Tope Awotona, the founder of Calendly. Janssen offers practical advice for parents and grandparents looking to motivate the younger generation to strive for excellence, emphasizing the power of discipline, goal-setting, and a strong faith foundation.

Whether you’re raising children, helping grandchildren, or simply interested in understanding how mindset and culture impact success, this episode offers valuable insights and an uplifting message about the potential for greatness.

Key Points Discussed:

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation and learn how adopting a "strive to finish first" mentality can lead to impactful changes in your life and community. 

Show Notes for Episode Featuring Don Angelo, AARP Regional Director

In this episode of Your Life Over 50, host Jean welcomes Don Angelo, Regional Director for AARP in California, to discuss the organization's founding, its mission, and the vital work it does for older adults and their families. Don shares his personal journey into advocacy, tracing his path from a research project on baby boomers to leading AARP’s efforts in California. He also highlights the evolution of AARP, originally established to fight for the rights of retired persons, and how it continues to adapt to the changing needs of its members and society.

Listeners will learn about AARP’s advocacy work in areas like social security, caregiving, housing, and broadband access, as well as the unique challenges faced by women over 50. Don emphasizes the importance of caregiving resources, providing support to those balancing care for aging parents, spouses, and even grandchildren. He also touches on the importance of voting, encouraging everyone to stay informed and active in making their voices heard during election season.

Tune in for a deep dive into the ways AARP is shaping a better future for older adults, while supporting them in living full, empowered lives through its advocacy, resources, and community initiatives.

Key Topics Discussed:

For more information about AARP California or to get involved, visit aarp.org/California or email [email protected]. 

 Show Notes: Interview with Jansen Brooks – Exploring Insurance Options for Financial Security 

In this episode, Jean interviews Jansen Brooks, a financialservices professional with years of experience in life insurance, long-termcare, annuities, and the "Be Your Own Banker" concept. Jansen shareshis journey from growing up in Alabama, being inspired by a neighbor in theinsurance business, to becoming a trusted advisor helping clients find theright insurance products for their needs. 

Jansen explains how different types of insurance, such asburial insurance, life insurance with living benefits, and annuities, offervarious solutions for financial security. He dives into the specifics of whysome clients benefit more from burial insurance, how life insurance with livingbenefits allows policyholders to access funds during times of illness, and howannuities can provide a safe, predictable source of income in retirement. 

He also discusses the growing popularity of the "BeYour Own Banker" concept, which allows policyholders to use life insurancepolicies as financial tools for growth and retirement planning. Throughout theinterview, Jansen emphasizes the importance of getting insurance early,particularly for those with health concerns, to avoid higher premiums or beingdisqualified for certain policies. 

If you're looking to understand the basics of lifeinsurance, final expense policies, or how to secure your financial future withannuities, this episode is packed with practical insights and valuable advice.To learn more or to get in touch with Jansen, he encourages listeners to givehim a call at 916-667-4974. 

Topics Covered in This Episode:  

Tune in to learn how you can take control of your financialfuture with the right insurance products.  

In this podcast episode, host Jean interviews Keith Logan, a tax preparerwith over 30 years of experience. Keith shares valuable insights into taxpreparation for individuals, small businesses, freelancers, and gig workers. Hehighlights common mistakes people make when filing taxes, such as math errors,incorrect filing statuses, and missing documents. Keith also explains how smallbusinesses need to maintain detailed records year-round and discusses keydifferences between individual and business tax filings. 

 Keith is researching the requirements of opening a school for tax preparers, they willbe able to earn the sixty hours required by the State. 

 Contact information: [email protected]  

 Life After 50 with Sheila Howard-Baker 

In this episode of Your Life Over 50, we sit down with Sheila Howard-Baker, who recently retired after a long career in both corporate America and the educational system. Sheila shares her unique journey, from working as a systems analyst in Atlanta to transitioning into education at the University of Mississippi and finally retiring in her hometown of Oxford,Mississippi. 

Sheila talks about the rich, diverse culture of Oxford, asmall town known for its strong arts scene, academic presence, and vibrantretirement community. She also delves into her passion for the Burns BelfryAfrican-American Museum, where she serves as the chair of the Friends of theBelfry Board, highlighting the important role this museum plays in preservinglocal African-American history. 

We explore the intergenerational dynamics between retireesand university students in Oxford, with Sheila sharing insights into how thesegroups collaborate on community projects, including museum initiatives. Sheilaalso provides heartfelt advice for women over 50 who feel stuck or uncertainabout their future, encouraging them to embrace life’s ups and downs with graceand find new passions in their later years. 

Finally, Sheila offers a glimpse into the rewardingexperience of chairing the museum board, her love for community work, and thelegacy she hopes to leave behind by encouraging others to live with purpose andpassion. 

Key Takeaways:  

Tune in to this enlightening conversation filled with wisdom, passion, and the importance of finding joy and purpose in every seasonof life! 

Listen now on Apple Podcast and Spotify