RenewHer

Genell Lemley
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  • Mental Health
  • Updated fortnightly

RenewHer is a podcast dedicated to empowering women over 50 to embrace bold new challenges and cultivate a mindset focused on growth and resilience. You’ll hear inspiring stories of women who have stepped beyond their comfort zones, and gain practical brain health strategies to sharpen focus, boost energy, and build resilience. If you’re ready to grow, stretch, and rediscover what’s possible, RenewHer will guide you every step of the way.

  1. 3 days ago

    45 | What Does Trying Something New Do to Your Brain?

    Trying something new can feel uncomfortable—especially when you’re used to being good at what you do. But there’s a reason your brain benefits when you step outside the familiar. In this episode, we look at what happens in your brain when you learn something new, why neuroplasticity matters, and how trying new things can help you build adaptability. We’ll also talk about why you don’t have to be good at something for it to be good for your brain. What We’ll Discuss Why your brain has to pay attention when you do something new How learning something new engages neuroplasticity What happens when your brain creates and strengthens new neural connections Why learning is good for cognitive health How trying new things helps you practice adaptability Why discomfort doesn’t necessarily mean you’re incapable—it may mean you’re learning How trying something new can lead to unexpected opportunities, discoveries, and connections Why you don’t have to become an expert for your brain to benefit Key Takeaways Trying something new gets your brain engaged. When you can’t rely on familiar patterns, your brain has to pay attention, process information, and figure things out. Learning changes your brain. Neuroplasticity allows your brain to change and adapt as you learn and experience new things. The learning itself is the workout. You don’t have to master a new skill for your brain to benefit from learning it. You’re practicing adaptability. Every time you adjust, solve a problem, or try a different approach, you’re practicing how to respond when things don’t go according to plan. Discomfort isn’t the same as inability. Being a beginner can feel awkward and uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You don’t have to be good at something for it to be good for your brain. You simply have to be willing to begin. Loved This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to: Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show. Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50. Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

  2. 2 Sept

    44 | Why Your Brain Resists Change

    Have you ever wanted to make a change—and yet found yourself hesitating to take the first step? Maybe you want to start something new, take on a challenge, pursue an interest you've put aside, or figure out what's next in this season of life. You may not be lacking motivation. You may not even be afraid of change. So why can it still feel so difficult to move forward? In this Brain Note, we'll look at what happens in your brain when you're faced with uncertainty—and why understanding your brain's response can help you move forward with greater clarity and curiosity. What We'll Discuss Why making a change and taking a risk aren't necessarily the same thing The difference between moving away from something that's no longer working and moving toward something new Why your brain is constantly trying to predict what will happen next How uncertainty can trigger the “what if” questions that keep you from taking action Why staying with what's familiar can sometimes feel safer—even when you aren't particularly happy with it How to shift from fear and prediction to curiosity and action Why this can be especially relevant when you're entering a new chapter and figuring out what you want next Key Takeaway Your brain doesn't necessarily resist change. It responds to uncertainty. You don't have to know exactly how something will turn out before you take the first step. Instead, get curious about what your brain is trying to protect you from—and ask yourself: What's one small step I can take anyway? Sometimes the way forward isn't about eliminating uncertainty. It's about becoming willing to move through it. Loved This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to: Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show. Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50. Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/  Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

  3. 26 Aug

    43 | One Year Later: The Mountain Looks Different From Here

    A year ago, Genell stood at the top of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, British Columbia, wearing a red hat and knowing she had done something she wasn't sure she could do. Eight ascents. 31,200 feet of elevation. 31.2 miles. About 35½ hours with only 30 minutes of sleep. One year later, she returned to 29029—but this time, she wasn't climbing. She was volunteering at the summit aid station in Steamboat, Colorado, alongside her husband. And being on the other side of the experience gave her a perspective she couldn't have had a year earlier. In this episode, Genell shares what it was like to watch other participants struggle, persevere, and reach their own summits—and to recognize so much of her own journey in theirs. She reflects on the volunteers and coaches who supported her the year before, the power of encouragement, and why sometimes the most important thing  And perhaps most unexpectedly, returning to 29029 reignited something in Genell: curiosity about what's still possible. Could she do it again? On a different mountain? With a different approach? She doesn't know yet. And she doesn't need to. For now, she's taking the next step. What We’ll Discuss What Genell experienced when she returned to 29029 one year after completing the challenge herself How being a volunteer changed her perspective on the mountain and the people climbing it Why community matters—even when the challenge itself is individual The power of coaches, volunteers, encouragement, and simply helping someone take one more step Why your summit doesn't have to look like someone else's What we can learn when we look back at something we've already accomplished Why stepping away from a challenge can sometimes help us recognize just how much we actually did The story of 75-year-old Greg and what his final ascent revealed about perseverance How curiosity can open the door to asking, “What's next?” Why you don't need to see the entire path before taking the next step Key Takeaway You don't have to see the whole mountain. Just take the next step. Your mountain may not look like anyone else's. Your summit may not be someone else's summit. And you may not know exactly how you're going to get there. But you can take the next step. And when you need help, let people help you. When you're able to help someone else, do that, too. Because while we may each have our own mountain, we don't have to climb it alone. Timestamps 00:00 Highlight - One Step Mindset00:35 Welcome01:12 Whistler Anniversary02:24 What is 2902903:22 Volunteering Summit Station04:38 Aid Station Memories06:06 Community Makes It Possible07:32 Different Summits Count08:34 The Last Hiker’s Finish10:19 Coach Reunion Flashback11:26 Curiosity: What’s Next12:13 One Hike Perspective13:59 Giving Back Lesson14:34 Your Mountain: Next Step16:40 Closing Reflections17:58 Final Call to Action  Loved This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to: Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show. Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50. Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

  4. 19 Aug

    42 | When Life Rewrites the Script: Louise Taylor on Reinvention, Authenticity, and Starting Again

    What happens when the life you thought you were building suddenly changes? After more than 35 years in corporate marketing leadership, Louise Taylor was laid off at 59. Then COVID brought her job search to a halt. What could have been the end of one chapter became the beginning of an entirely new life. Today, Louise is the founder of The Firefly Effect, where she helps heart-centered entrepreneurs build businesses that reflect who they truly are. But her reinvention goes much deeper than a career change. Louise shares her journey of learning to stop hiding, find her voice, embrace authenticity, and create a life that feels aligned with who she is today. What We'll Discuss ➡️ Being laid off at 59 and navigating an unexpected career transition➡️ How COVID created a forced pause that changed the direction of her life➡️ Moving from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship➡️ Why authenticity became central to Louise's work➡️ Learning to stop hiding and take down the "mask"➡️ The impact of suppressing emotions and needs for years➡️ Discovering ADHD in her 60s and learning to embrace her neurodivergence➡️ Moving from downtown Toronto to a slower, more intentional life➡️ Giving yourself permission to want something different➡️ What it means to truly renew your life Key Takeaways ✅ Sometimes an ending is an invitation.✅ Authenticity starts with knowing yourself.✅ What you once saw as a weakness may be part of your strength.✅ You are allowed to want something different.✅ What got you here may not be what gets you there. Timestamps 00:00 Highlight Clip - Start Where You re00:36 Welcome01:02 Meet Louise03:54 The Layoff at 5906:28 When COVID Changed Everything08:33 The Forced Pause and Reset11:23 A New Door Opens: Consulting16:59 The Identity Crisis of Starting Over20:15 The Origin of the Firefly Effect29:23 Staying Invisible to Stay Safe31:18 Breaking Down the Mask36:04 When the Body Stores Trauma43:54 Discovering ADHD at 6247:00 Leaving Toronto for Small Town Life51:22 Would She Have Changed Without the Push56:43 Advice for Women 50+57:47 What Renewing Your Life Means to Louise Today60:00 Closing   Connect with Louise Learn more about Louise and The Firefly Effect through the links in the episode description. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisemctaylor/Email: louise@fireflyeffect.ca Website: https://fireflyeffect.ca/ Resources Mentioned  Brene Brown TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. Anatomy of the Spirit, by Caroline Myss   Loved This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to: Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show. Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50. Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

    42 | When Life Rewrites the Script: Louise Taylor on Reinvention, Authenticity, and Starting Again

  5. 12 Aug

    41 | Why We Worry: Understanding the Worry Loop

    Have you ever noticed how quickly your brain can go to “What if?” What if something goes wrong?What if I made the wrong decision?What if something happens to someone I love? Worry can feel like preparation. We think through possibilities, analyze potential outcomes, and try to anticipate what might happen next. But there’s an important difference between problem-solving and worrying. In this episode, we explore why we worry, what happens when our brains start generating possible problems, and how we can get caught in a worry loop—even when there may be nothing we can actually do about the outcome. What You’ll Learn Why we worry and why our brains are wired to anticipate potential threats How the brain can respond to things that might happen as though they deserve our attention now The difference between problem-solving and worry, and how “What if?” can lead to either Why uncertainty can fuel worry and keep us caught in a worry loop Key Takeaway Ask yourself: Am I solving a problem—or am I rehearsing a possibility? If there’s something you can do, take the next step. But if there isn’t, continuing to think through every possible outcome may not give you more control. Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do is recognize: I don’t have to solve a problem that doesn’t exist yet. Until next time, remember: not every “what if?” needs an answer. Loved This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to: Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show. Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50. Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

  6. 5 Aug

    40 | It's Never Too Late to Challenge Yourself: Running a Marathon at 62 & Continuing to Grow

    At every stage of life, there are opportunities to learn, grow, and explore what's next. In this episode of RenewHer, I sit down with my longtime friend, Rachel Kyllo, whose story is a powerful reminder that life after 50 can be a season of continued growth, curiosity, and discovery. Throughout her 40+ years of building a successful corporate career, Rachel continually found ways to grow beyond the workplace. Whether training for her first marathon in her 60s, exploring gourmet cooking, or developing a passion for food photography, she reminds us that pursuing new passions can be woven into every season of life. We also talk about the leadership lessons Rachel learned during her corporate career, the value of having a coach, the importance of accountability, and why staying curious may be one of the keys to continuing to learn, grow, and explore at every stage of life. Whether you're considering a career transition, retirement, a new hobby, or simply wondering what's next, Rachel's story will inspire you to embrace new possibilities with confidence and curiosity. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Rachel built a fulfilling 40-year career with one company The leadership lessons she learned about servant leadership and putting people first Why she decided to run her first marathon at age 62 The role coaching and accountability played in achieving an ambitious goal What crossing the marathon finish line taught her about herself How gourmet cooking and food photography became creative passions Creating memorable family experiences through food Approaching retirement with curiosity, purpose, and openness Why staying curious keeps life exciting in every season Rachel's personal definition of renewal Key Takeaways Curiosity is one of the greatest catalysts for continued growth. Big goals become achievable with the right support, accountability, and commitment. You don't have to wait for retirement to pursue interests outside of work. Every season of life offers opportunities to learn, grow, and embrace new challenges. The most meaningful adventures often begin by simply saying "yes." Timestamps 00:00 Highlight Clip 00:25 Welcome 00:49 Meet Rachel 02:28 Career Journey In Food 06:08 Leadership And Culture 08:36 Deciding to Run A Marathon 12:19 Training Support And Coach 16:16 Race Day Highs Lows 18:17 Second Marathon With Daughter 19:29 Gourmet Cooking Origins 21:41 Food Challenges And Photography 24:43 Family Food Tours Favorites 30:58 Grandma Joy At The Cabin 32:40 Retirement Next Chapter 34:36 Curiosity Renewal Closing 36:39 Final Thanks Call To Action Connect with Rachel Follow Rachel's food photography and culinary adventures on Instagram: @cabinfoodlove Rachel’s Running CoachSam RenikoffWebsite:  https://www.samrenikoff.com/ Email: samrenikoff@gmail.com Resources Mentioned Every Woman's Marathon At Home cookbook by Chef Gavin Kaysen  The Bear-inspired recipe collection  Loved This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you to embrace a new challenge or rediscover a passion, I'd love for you to: Follow RenewHer so you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show. Share this episode with a friend who may be wondering what's next after 50. Remember, it's never too late to learn something new, chase a dream, or begin again. Your next chapter may be your most fulfilling one yet. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website: RenewHer Wellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

    40 | It's Never Too Late to Challenge Yourself: Running a Marathon at 62 & Continuing to Grow

  7. 4 Aug

    39 |The Expectations That Steal Our Peace

    Have you ever noticed how a small, ordinary moment can reveal something much bigger about yourself? In this episode of RenewHer Reflections, I share a story about my dog Peyton and our daily walks. As she’s gotten older, our walks—especially during the warmer months—don’t always go the way I expect them to. Sometimes she stops, rests, changes direction, or simply decides she’s done. For a while, those moments challenged my patience. But over time, I began to see those walks differently. What started as a simple morning routine became a reminder that the way we experience everyday moments often has less to do with what happens and more to do with how we approach it. This reflection is an invitation to pause and consider: Where might your own expectations be creating frustration—and what might you notice if you looked at the moment in front of you a little differently? What You’ll Learn How an unexpected lesson from my dog Peyton changed the way I viewed our walks Why everyday frustrations can sometimes reveal more about our own expectations than the situation itself How shifting our perspective can create more peace and presence How to notice the moments of joy we may be overlooking Key Takeaways We don’t always get to choose what happens, but we can choose how we respond. Expectations shape the way we experience everyday moments. A small shift in perspective can change the way we see a situation. Sometimes the moments we didn’t plan for become the moments we remember. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it. Have you ever found yourself struggling to focus because of constant noise or other distractions? Share your experience in the comments or connect with me on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little more understanding—and a little more grace—for their brain. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

  8. 28 Jul

    38 | When the Noise Won't Stop: What It's Doing to Your Brain

    Have you ever been so distracted by constant noise that you couldn't think straight? That's exactly what happened to me this week as construction crews spent days replacing our shared driveway. The endless backup alarms, heavy equipment, and nonstop activity left me feeling mentally exhausted, tense, and far less productive than usual. What I discovered is that I wasn't imagining it—and neither are you if you've ever struggled to focus in a noisy environment. In this episode of Brain Notes, I share my personal experience and explain the fascinating brain science behind why constant noise is so difficult to ignore. You'll learn what's happening inside your brain, why your patience may wear thin, and a few simple ways to protect your focus when your environment is working against you. What You'll Learn Why repetitive noises—like construction backup alarms—are especially difficult for the brain to ignore. What the brain's orienting response is and how it helps keep us safe. How constant environmental noise affects focus, memory, creativity, and productivity. Why prolonged noise can activate your brain's stress response. Simple, practical strategies to reduce mental overload when you can't control your surroundings. Key Takeaways Your brain is constantly scanning your environment for potential threats, even when you think you've tuned out the noise. Filtering distractions requires mental energy, leaving fewer resources available for concentration and decision-making. Persistent noise can contribute to stress, irritability, cognitive fatigue, and reduced productivity. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do for your brain is simply change your environment. Understanding how your brain works allows you to respond with self-compassion instead of self-criticism. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it. Have you ever found yourself struggling to focus because of constant noise or other distractions? Share your experience in the comments or connect with me on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little more understanding—and a little more grace—for their brain. Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Subscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Schedule a free Discovery Session with me. Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental Edge Check out my website LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/ Email: genell@renewherwellness.com

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About

RenewHer is a podcast dedicated to empowering women over 50 to embrace bold new challenges and cultivate a mindset focused on growth and resilience. You’ll hear inspiring stories of women who have stepped beyond their comfort zones, and gain practical brain health strategies to sharpen focus, boost energy, and build resilience. If you’re ready to grow, stretch, and rediscover what’s possible, RenewHer will guide you every step of the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Genell Lemley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Genell Lemley / RenewHer Wellness, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    RenewHer

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