The Midlife Academy at the U of MN

University of Minnesota
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Welcome to the Midlife Academy podcast! Join hosts Briana Smith and Kate Schaefers, The Midlife Academy director and program manager, respectively, as they kick off conversations about navigating life's exciting next chapters. Whether you're considering a career shift, rethinking retirement, or simply seeking new meaning, we’re here to explore these journeys with purpose and clarity. Learn more about The Midlife Academy: https://midlife.umn.edu

Episodes

  1. 13 MAR

    Make the Leap

    In this episode, The Midlife Academy Program Manager Bri Smith sits down with Dr. Ellen J. Kennedy, the founder and executive director of World Without Genocide. Dr. Kennedy shares her unconventional, non-linear career path, moving from a decades-long career as a marketing professor to becoming a leading voice for global human rights. Driven by the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or "repair of the world," she discusses her "zero or full" approach to life and the "hippity hop brain" that led her to earn two PhDs and three master's degrees across diverse fields. The conversation explores the concept of self-efficacy and the importance of recognizing "points of entry" for social change. Dr. Kennedy recounts the pivotal moment a student's question — "What are we going to do about this?" — transformed her academic interest in genocide into urgent, legislative advocacy. By highlighting her intergenerational mentorship with a younger activist and her strategies for avoiding burnout in heartbreaking work, she offers a powerful masterclass on aligning personal identity with a larger global mission. Episode Highlights 00:01:11 – The "hippity hop brain": Embracing a non-linear career path through curiosity. 00:03:34 – Tikkun Olam: How a childhood foundation in social justice shaped a lifelong framework. 00:06:51 – Leap and figure it out: Choosing "full speed" over a traditional pros-and-cons calculus. 00:10:45 – The role of self-efficacy: Believing in your ability to see a mission through to the end. 00:13:30 – Building sincere connections: Why networking should be relational rather than transactional. 00:16:40 – The "Rwanda Moment": How a student's challenge sparked the creation of World Without Genocide. 00:18:50 – Intergenerational learning: Gaining wisdom and inspiration from those younger than ourselves. 00:25:30 – Managing "whooped" days: Healthy ways to sustain yourself while doing difficult work. Listen and subscribe to this podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Explore The Midlife Academy Ready to redefine your purpose and direction? Whether you're exploring new career paths, rethinking life goals, or simply seeking renewed meaning, you'll get expert insights via online and in-person courses, webinars, and podcasts. Discover what's next at The Midlife Academy. #MidlifeAcademy #CareerPivot #NextChapter #MidlifeReinvention #MakeTheLeap #SelfEfficacy #HumanRightsAdvocacy #LifelongLearning #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #SocialJustice #TMAPodcast

    27 min

  2. 19/12/2025

    Rethinking Work and Retirement: Career Crossroads After 50

    In this episode of the Midlife Academy Podcast, Bri Smith is joined by Executive Career Transition Coach, George Dow. Since 2010, George has assisted his clients with career assessments, identification of options, and coaching, to help them achieve their desired outcomes.

    29 min

  3. 24/11/2025

    Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum

    In this episode of the Midlife Academy Podcast, Bri Smith is joined by Midlife Academy instructor, Courtney Burton. Courtney's eight week course, Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum is designed for those ready to make some changes in their life who are looking for direction, inspiration, connections, and help in moving forward.

    25 min

  4. 23/09/2025

    Healing from Burnout

    In this episode of the Midlife Academy Podcast, Bri Smith is joined by Jeannie Stumne for a discussion of a topic that is likely familiar to us all -- burnout. Jeannie is a trauma-informed burnout and leadership coach who had a successful and meaningful 25-year career in higher education, but left due to reduced wellbeing and burnout after facing a serious health crisis.

    33 min

  5. 27/08/2025

    The Midlife Pivot

    For many professionals, a career change can feel intimidating, especially in a world that seems filled with constant turbulence and uncertainty. But what if a midlife pivot isn't a leap of faith, but a series of small, intentional steps? In this episode of The Midlife Academy Podcast, Briana Smith and Kate Schaefers explore how to move past fear, find your core purpose, and build the networks you need to navigate change with confidence.

    17 min

  6. 04/08/2025

    Purpose at Midlife

    Megan Vorrhees joins our podcast to talk about how she cultivates daily purpose in her life through work, family, hobbies and more.

    18 min

  7. 16/07/2025

    Why We Started

    Welcome to the Midlife Academy podcast! Join hosts Briana Smith and Kate Schaefers, The Midlife Academy director and program manager, respectively, as they kick off conversations about navigating life's exciting next chapters. Whether you're considering a career shift, rethinking retirement, or simply seeking new meaning, we’re here to explore these journeys with purpose and clarity. Learn more about The Midlife Academy: https://midlife.umn.edu

    28 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Midlife Academy podcast! Join hosts Briana Smith and Kate Schaefers, The Midlife Academy director and program manager, respectively, as they kick off conversations about navigating life's exciting next chapters. Whether you're considering a career shift, rethinking retirement, or simply seeking new meaning, we’re here to explore these journeys with purpose and clarity. Learn more about The Midlife Academy: https://midlife.umn.edu

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