"What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"

Barb Desmarais

What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers is a candid, cross-generational dialogue exploring life after the milestones—career shifts, retirement, relationships, family, reinvention, and everything in between. Hosted by Barb Desmarais, a retired family & parenting coach and public speaker, each episode dives into honest stories and lived wisdom from Boomers navigating their “what’s next?” moments, offering insights that resonate across generations. Thoughtful, curious, and sometimes funny, the show bridges perspectives and sparks conversations about how we age, adapt, and continue to dream.

  1. FEB 4

    Somatic Yin Yoga & the Vagus Nerve: Healing Trauma and Anxiety with Annie Au

    Send a text What if healing anxiety and trauma starts not in the mind—but in the body? In this deeply grounded episode, Barb speaks with Annie Au, a YouTuber and somatic yoga instructor, about nervous system healing, the vagus nerve, and how somatic yoga helps the body feel safe again. Annie shares her personal journey from professional dancer to global yoga teacher, and how years of physical injury, emotional heartbreak, and anxiety led her to somatic healing. Together, they explore how trauma is stored in the body, why talk therapy isn’t always enough, and how bottom-up practices calm the nervous system. Subscribe to Annie's Youtube channel @YinYogaWithAnnie. You can also find her on Instagram @annie_au_yoga. More info on Annie can be found on her website at https://annieauyoga.com/. Check out her 14 Day challenge here: https://annieauyoga.com/somatic-yin-challenge Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    44 min

  2. JAN 28

    Self-Love Is a Practice: Kindness, Boundaries, and Healing

    Send us a text In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Barb welcomes back pod-friend Denise Torgerson for a powerful conversation about self-love—what it really means and why it matters at every stage of life. Together, they explore self-love as a daily practice rather than a destination, emphasizing kindness, tenderness, and compassion toward ourselves. Denise shares a meaningful definition of self-love, including being “on your own side,” softening the inner critic, and learning to honour your emotional, physical, and relational wellbeing. Denise also shares personal insights about learning to feel her feelings later in life, practicing daily meditation, and using EFT to manage anxiety and build self-acceptance. Barb and Mela reflect on how self-love supports emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and a deeper sense of peace. The episode closes with a reminder that self-love is not about ego or self-indulgence—it’s about learning to treat yourself with the same care you would offer a dear friend. A warm, honest, and soul-enriching conversation you won’t want to miss. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    41 min

  3. JAN 14

    The Good, the Bad, and the AI: Boomers and the New Digital Frontier

    Send us a text Happy New Year! New year, new season. Same Barb. In this episode, Barb dives into the fascinating and sometimes alarming world of artificial intelligence with special guest, David Cravit from SuperAging News. From practical uses like ChatGPT for research, relationship advice, and home care solutions, to cutting-edge applications in medicine and smart homes, Barb and David explore how AI is transforming daily life for boomers and beyond. They also discuss the risks—deepfakes, scams, and privacy concerns—and share tips for staying vigilant while embracing the benefits. Whether you’re curious about AI avatars, virtual companions, or just want to understand what all the buzz is about, this conversation breaks it down in a relatable, no-nonsense way for our generation of tech-savvy boomers. To learn more about David Cravit and SuperAging News, visit their website here: https://superagingnews.com/ Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    43 min

  4. 2025-12-24

    A Year in Conversations: Friendships, Relationships, and Lessons Learned--2025 Recap!

    Send us a text In our final episode of 2025, Barb and our producer Mela reflect on the past year's episodes, sharing favorite moments and key insights. Barb reminisces about her favourite guests, and highlighted episode topics such as sustaining friendships in golden years, solo travel, self-care, and boomer dating. Special shout-outs are given to guests like Jackie Adams, Kelley Riley, and comedian Colleen Landry.  On behalf of our show "What's Next? Conversations with Boomers," we want to wish you all a happy and safe Holiday Season! We will be back with more inspired conversations in 2026! Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    32 min

  5. 2025-12-17

    When It’s Not the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Navigating Holiday Depression & SAD

    Send us a text While the holiday season is often marketed as the "most wonderful time of the year," the reality for many is a mix of pressure, loneliness, and seasonal depression. In this very special episode, Barb is joined by returning guest and mental health therapist Jackie Adams to explore why this season can be so difficult and how to navigate it with your mental health intact. Together, they unpack the differences between the common "winter blues" and clinically diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), discussing the physiological impact that shorter days and darker evenings have on our well-being. The conversation moves beyond the weather to address the heavy emotional weight of the holidays, offering advice for those coping with family estrangement, navigating life after divorce, or managing financial stress during an expensive time of year. Jackie shares a wealth of practical strategies to help listeners stop ruminating and "get out of their heads," ranging from the physical benefits of light box therapy and Vitamin D to the mental shifts found in gratitude journaling and volunteering. They also discuss the importance of setting boundaries, whether that means avoiding heated political discussions at the dinner table or giving yourself full permission to "opt-out" of the commercial holiday hype entirely. If you are feeling overwhelmed or isolated this season, this episode offers a compassionate reminder to prioritize your own peace and create traditions that actually serve you. For those wishing to connect with Jackie directly, she can be reached via email at jackie@jackieadamscounseling.com. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    40 min

  6. 2025-12-10

    Don’t Ghost Yourself: Boundaries 101

    Send us a text In this latest episode, Barb and Tim dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of boundaries in relationships. From defining what a boundary really is to exploring why so many of us struggle to say “no,” they unpack how healthy boundaries protect your wellbeing, prevent burnout, and create respect and security in all your relationships. Through real-life stories, practical examples, and reflections on emotional and physical limits, they show how boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about self-respect, clarity, and maintaining your side of the street. Whether it’s navigating conflict, handling thoughtless requests, or learning to communicate your limits effectively, this episode offers a thoughtful, relatable guide to mastering the art of saying no without guilt. To connect with Tim, visit his website at https://timwadecoaching.com/ Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    49 min

  7. 2025-11-26

    The Space Between Us: Understanding Avoidant Attachment (Part 2)

    Send us a text In this latest conversation with our favourite Boomers, Barb and Tim revisit the topic of avoidant attachment—why it happens, how it shows up, and what it feels like when you're in a relationship with someone who has it. Building on their previous discussion, they explore the nuances between dismissive and fearful avoidance, the classic pursuer–distancer dynamic, and why so many people are suddenly recognizing these patterns in themselves and others. Tim opens up about his own disorganized attachment style and the healing work he’s done through self-awareness and Internal Family Systems therapy. Barb shares her experience growing up in a chaotic home and how that shaped her people-pleasing tendencies. Together, they break down the common signs of avoidance, the cultural factors that can influence it, and the emotional “dance” that often forms between anxious and avoidant partners. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about recognizing our patterns, understanding the people we love, and learning how to move toward healthier, more connected relationships. To connect with Tim, visit his website at https://timwadecoaching.com/ Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    53 min

  8. 2025-11-12

    It's not you... it's my attachment style.

    Send us a text In this insightful episode, Barb sits down with our favourite relationship coach Tim Wade to explore the often misunderstood world of Avoidant Attachment. Together, they unpack how this attachment style develops, what it looks like in relationships, and why those with avoidant tendencies may struggle with closeness despite craving connection. Tim sheds light on the emotional patterns that drive avoidant behavior and offers practical advice for fostering deeper intimacy — whether you’re the one pulling away or loving someone who does.  Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod . If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

    48 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers is a candid, cross-generational dialogue exploring life after the milestones—career shifts, retirement, relationships, family, reinvention, and everything in between. Hosted by Barb Desmarais, a retired family & parenting coach and public speaker, each episode dives into honest stories and lived wisdom from Boomers navigating their “what’s next?” moments, offering insights that resonate across generations. Thoughtful, curious, and sometimes funny, the show bridges perspectives and sparks conversations about how we age, adapt, and continue to dream.

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