Beyondhood

Nicole Suen

Childhood, adolescence, adulthood, elderhood… where and how do we go beyond elderhood? Each episode celebrates a heartwarming and real-life story from a silent generation or a baby boomer. One that will make you appreciate older adults’ wisdom and life experience and make you think and discover how to live life fully and age with grace and meaning.Go beyond elderhood - One chat at a time.  

  1. 22/05/2025

    Ep 16 - TEDx Speaker Brian Gorman - From Lonely Childhood to Change Leader

    Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message! Summary In EP16, I sat down with Brian Gorman — a speaker, author, change coach, LGBTQ+ rights advocate, and adoptive father — to explore his extraordinary journey through identity, transformation, and the many faces of change. Brian opens up about growing up as a lonely and introverted child, learning the value of hard work early on, and stepping into leadership as a student activist at Syracuse University. His coming out in the 1980s marked another pivotal chapter — one that deepened his empathy and commitment to driving meaningful change. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation? Brian shares how photography unexpectedly led him to his son, through adoption — a moment that forever changed his life. From corporate consulting to social advocacy, Brian’s life is proof that embracing change leads to growth — personally, professionally, and spiritually. Highlights: How a lonely childhood built a foundation of resilience - Working 7 days a week for the family businessComing out in the 1980s and navigating identityChallenging stereotypes and sparking social change at Syracuse UniversityHow photography led him to adopt his sonTransforming from consultant to change coachUsing storytelling to heal and empowerThe ongoing journey of learning - You are Never Alone Keywords identity, change, adoption, LGBTQ+, childhood, storytelling, leadership, transformation, self-discovery, photography, activism, resilience, parenting, growth, healing Support the show Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways: Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder! Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

    46 min
  2. 17/04/2025

    EP 15 - John Hankins - How to Give More and Reinvent Yourself in Your 70s

    Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message! Summary In EP15, I travelled to the U.S. Georgia, to chat with John Hankins — a giver, a licensed social worker, certified financial therapist, and former IT professional — about his unique journey through life, work, and the evolving relationship we have with money. John shares how his childhood and family traditions shaped his views on financial responsibility, generosity, and purpose. After retiring from a long career in IT, he reinvented himself in his 70s as a financial therapist, helping others — especially those NGO and those midlife and beyond — navigate the emotional side of money. We also explore John’s deep desire to give back in his life - from putting giving back as a family value to becoming a kidney donor. It’s a conversation about purpose, reinvention, and the many ways we can live a meaningful life. Highlights: How early life experiences shape money habitsReinventing your career after retirementFinancial anxiety in retirement yearsLiving with purpose and curiosityHow the process of becoming a kidney donor actually saved his life (!) Keywords childhood, family legacy, storytelling, giving, money, finance, life after retirement,  grandparents, relationships, memories, creativity, personal growth Support the show Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways: Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder! Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

    1h 3m
  3. 25/02/2025

    Ep 14 - The Forgotten Chinese Seamen of Liverpool

    Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message! Summary In EP14 - We are going to dive into The Forgotten Chinese Seamen of Liverpool.  During World War II, thousands of Chinese sailors served in Britain’s merchant navy, keeping vital supply routes open. Many settled in Liverpool, starting families and becoming part of the city's fabric. But after the war, the British government saw them as expendable. In a secret policy, at least 2,300 Chinese seamen were forcibly deported between 1946 and 1949—many without warning. Their wives and children were left behind, never knowing the truth. For decades, this story remained buried. For decades, their families believed they had been abandoned. The truth? They were erased. This is the untold story of Liverpool’s forgotten Chinese seamen  Keywords Chinese seamen deportation Liverpool, Forgotten Chinese sailors WWII. Liverpool Chinese merchant navy, UK secret deportation Chinese seamen Chapters 01:56 Introduction & Welcome 04:11 Why still publish when there is no interviewees in this episode?  05:21 Historical Context 07:34 Setting the Scene 08:42 The Role of Chinese Seamen in WWII 09:59 Life in Liverpool & The Promise of a Future 11:19 The Secret Deportation          12:24 Aftermath                                                                                                                                                               Related video and articles:  Video: 'I just want to know - UK woman's search for missing Chinese father Video: The Secret Betrayal: How the UK ejected the Chinese sailors who had risked their lives Articles: Home Office Official Report  Support the show Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways: Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder! Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

    18 min
  4. 28/10/2024

    Ep 13 - Field Trip - A day at an Independent Assisted Living Home

    Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message! Summary In EP13, I shared my experiences as a weekly volunteer visiting independent assisted living homes, focusing on the importance of social connections for residents. I shared 3 stories: Resident or not - Peter, Too young to be there - Michelle, Goodbye - Owen.  This short field trip episode will give you an unseen side of independent living homes and the personal story of the impact of dementia.   Keywords independent assisted living, social connections, dementia, care homes, personal stories Chapters 01:19 Introduction & Welcome 03:26 Understanding Care Homes vs. Independent Assisted Living 04:27 Loneliness= Smoking 15 Cigarette a day  05:06 First Story: Resident or not - Peter 06:41 Second Story: Too young to be there - Michelle 08:22 Last Story: Goodbye - Owen 09:06  Summary: Celebrating Relationships at my Independent Living Care Home  Support the show Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways: Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder! Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

    13 min
  5. 09/10/2024

    Ep 12 - Angela Andrieux- The Family Legacy Keeper - Creating New Memories Through Old Pictures

    Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message! Summary In EP12, I travelled to the U.S. - San Diego to chat with Angela Andrieux, an expert in photo preservation and a fine art photographer, sharing her journey from childhood to adulthood, and reflecting on her family's influence.  She discusses the importance of preserving family history and legacy through photography and storytelling, and how her passion for photography has given her career now at Mylio - a software photo manager for a lifetime of memories.  and a new and important identity - the family legacy keeper -  how she creates new memories with her grandmother by sharing old photos and asking questions about those photos. Our conversation highlights the connections between family legacies and the importance of leveraging tools to create long-lasting memories for the next generations before it is too late. See the pictures Angela mentioned on our Patreon page! New Partnership Try Mylio www.mylio.com to see how they can help you turn a lifetime of memories organised into a family legacy. Try for Free first then enter Beyondhood as promo code @ checkout to get 15% off   Keywords childhood, family legacy, storytelling, photography, military life, grandparents, relationships, memories, creativity, personal growth Chapters 01:57 Introduction & Welcome 04:49 Childhood Memories and Family Influence 06:32 Relationship with grandma 09:55 Adolescence and School Experiences 12:17 Homeschooling 12:39 Favorite Pop Culture & Historical Event 13:40 Anne of Green Gables 16:54 Career Path and Photography Journey 21:11 Beyondhood x Mylio Partnership - 15% off Promocode: Beyondhood 21:47 Capturing Family History through Photography 25:43 The Role of a Family Legacy Caretaker 28:24 Connecting Generations: Military Spouses 30:48 Sharing Family Photos  to Create New Memories with Grandma 32:06 Imagining Your Own Beyondhood 33:44 What is Your Most Memorable Family Photo 34:55 Photo: My Tool to Capture and Freeze Family Legacy 35:36 Record Life Stories = Opportunity to Reflect  36:23 What is Your One Question for Our Curr Support the show Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways: Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder! Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

    40 min
  6. 23/09/2024

    Ep 11 - Paul Long - When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

    Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message! Welcome back to season two of the Beyondhood podcast. After a summer break, we're ready to bring season two to share many more stories that make you appreciate older adults' wisdom and their life experiences. Summary In episode 11, our latest Beyonder, Paul Long shares his journey from a news reporter to a content creator to an olderpreneur, reflecting on significant life events, including the loss of his father and the lessons learned from it when he was a teenager.  The conversation delves into the importance of curiosity and creativity during his adulthood. How he came up with his documentary: ''A Passing on the Torch'' and won the prestigious Emmy Award. Paul also shares the secret of his loving 46-year relationship with his wife - Kim.  Finally, we discussed the concept of retirement, emphasising the potential for reinvention at any age, which led to the creation of  ''NewWayFoward''. Keywords chronological age, biological age, childhood influences, loss, career transition, documentary, family life, aging, new perspectives, lifelong learning Support the show Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways: Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder! Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

    1h 23m
  7. 25/07/2024

    Ep 9 Part II - Mickey Ellis - From Royal Navy Medals to Cage life

    Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message! We are now on Patreon - Join the Beyonder family on Patreon to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and content. Episode 9 Part II:   We are continuing our Royal Navy Story with Mickey Ellis. At the end of EP I, Mickey was choosing between the Royal Navy's standard career path and modern pentathlon! If you haven't listened to EP1 yet, SPOIL ALERT ahead! In Part II, we discussed what Mickey did after he left the Royal Navy, from the Soviet Union, Slovakia, to back to London, how did he apply his skills to civilians' lives?   We dived into a significant change in his life when he was 76 - prison life - what happened?! how did his relationships, his health, and his mindset change before, during and after prison? What did he do in prison and who did he meet? What is his life like now and how does he keep himself strong physically and mentally?  Come and dive into Part II of a Royal Navy officer story - one that is full of surprises and unexpected turns.  Support the show Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways: Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder! Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

    36 min
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Childhood, adolescence, adulthood, elderhood… where and how do we go beyond elderhood? Each episode celebrates a heartwarming and real-life story from a silent generation or a baby boomer. One that will make you appreciate older adults’ wisdom and life experience and make you think and discover how to live life fully and age with grace and meaning.Go beyond elderhood - One chat at a time.