The Resilient Life- The Art Of Ageing Strong

myHealthCoach- Chris Deavin
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This isn’t a podcast about chasing youth. It’s about building a life that stays strong, capable, and resilient as you age. Hosted by Chris Deavin, The Resilient Life is designed for high-performing professionals over 50 who have mastered discipline in their careers, but struggle to apply that same consistency to their health, fitness, and lifestyle. Each episode cuts through the noise of the health industry and focuses on what actually works long term: identity, structure, accountability, and resilience. You’ll learn how to: Stay consistent with training, nutrition, and daily habits, even when life gets busy Build strength, energy, and capability well into your 50s, 60s and beyond Overcome setbacks quickly without falling into the “what-the-hell” cycle Design your environment so healthy actions become automatic Shift from relying on motivation to building a system that works regardless of how you feel This podcast blends real coaching insights, practical strategies, and honest conversations about what it truly takes to maintain your PerformanceSpan—that period of life where you operate at a high level physically and mentally. If you want to stay strong, independent, and fully capable for decades to come, without extreme diets, burnout, or unrealistic routines, this is where you start. Because ageing well isn’t about luck. It’s about how you live.

  1. 21 Oct

    The Five Foundations of Healthy Ageing, with Professor Aamir Malik

    Most of us already know that we should exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep and manage our stress. So why do so many people still struggle to look after their health, particularly as they get older? In this episode of The Resilient Life, I'm joined by Professor Aamir Malik, a neuroengineering researcher at Brno University of Technology and author of Fix the Floor, to explore why healthy ageing requires us to look at our health as a whole, rather than focusing on individual problems. Aamir brings a fascinating perspective to the conversation, combining years of research into the brain with his experience helping people make practical changes to their lifestyles. We explore his five foundations of health, nutrition, movement, sleep, social connection and personal habits, and how each influences our ability to remain healthy, strong and independent as we age. We also discuss why getting 10,000 steps a day isn't necessarily the answer to better fitness, how poor sleep and chronic stress can affect our long-term health, why loneliness deserves more attention, and how seemingly small everyday behaviours can make a significant difference. What I particularly enjoyed about this conversation was how closely Aamir's approach aligns with my own coaching philosophy. Having the knowledge is one thing, but understanding how to use it, and building a lifestyle that allows you to act on it consistently, is what really matters. If you're over 50 and want to take greater control of your health, rather than waiting until something goes wrong, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. Because ageing well isn't about trying to remain young forever. It's about doing what you can today to protect your health, strength and independence for the years ahead. What you'll learn in this episode Why healthy ageing needs to be approached as an interconnected system.The five foundations of health identified in Aamir's book Fix the Floor.Why walking 10,000 steps a day is not a complete exercise programme.The importance of resistance training, cardiovascular fitness and maintaining physical capability.How sleep consistency, caffeine, evening routines and bedroom environments influence recovery.The difference between acute and chronic stress, and why managing accumulated stress matters.Why social relationships and avoiding loneliness become increasingly important as we age.How everyday habits influence our long-term physical and mental wellbeing.Why assessing your current health is useful, but taking consistent action is what creates change.Key message You don't need to change everything about your lifestyle overnight. Start by understanding where your health is strongest, identify the areas that need attention, and make practical improvements you can maintain. About the guest Professor Aamir Malik is a neuroengineering researcher at Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic. His work in brain imaging and neuroscience, alongside his experience in lifestyle coaching, has influenced his approach to healthy ageing. He is the author of Fix the Floor, which explores five interconnected foundations of health and the importance of improving everyday behaviours to support long-term wellbeing.

  2. 15 Oct

    Resilience After 50: Why Your Daily Rituals Matter More Than Motivation, with Mike Capuzzi

    What if the secret to staying strong, healthy and capable as you get older isn't about doing more, but about making the right things part of who you are? In this episode of The Resilient Life, The Art of Ageing Strong, I'm joined by Mike Capuzzi, entrepreneur, podcast host and author of Resilience Rituals. At 55, Mike received blood test results that made him question how seriously he was taking his health. Now 60, he shares how changing his mindset, priorities and everyday behaviours has transformed the way he approaches ageing. We explore the difference between habits and rituals, and why that distinction matters. A habit is something you do, but a ritual becomes part of who you are. It's a conversation that connects closely with my own WISDOM coaching framework, particularly the importance of willingness, identity, simplicity and mindset in creating lasting health changes. We also discuss why strength training becomes increasingly important after 50, how to build cardiovascular fitness without having to love exercise, the value of tracking your progress, and why small, consistent actions can make a much bigger difference than occasional bursts of motivation. One of the most important messages from our conversation is that you don't have to become someone who loves exercise or follows a perfect health routine. You need to find what works for you, understand why your health matters, and start building behaviours that you can maintain. Because ultimately, healthy ageing isn't just about living longer. It's about remaining strong, capable and independent enough to enjoy the years ahead. If you're over 50, know you should be doing more for your health, but struggle to turn that knowledge into consistent action, this conversation will give you some practical ideas about where to start and, more importantly, how to keep going.

  3. 17 Sept

    How to Train Your Mind for a Happier, More Resilient Life, with Monique Rhodes

    You may know what you want to change. You may even understand the habits and beliefs holding you back. But what happens when your mind continues pulling you back towards the same reactions? In this episode of The Resilient Life, I speak with happiness strategist Monique Rhodes about why happiness is not something reserved for the lucky, successful or wealthy. It is a skill, and like any skill, it can be trained. Monique shares how a traumatic childhood and a suicide attempt at 19 began a lifelong search to understand why some people cope emotionally while others struggle. That search led to more than 30 years of meditation and work helping people manage stress, anxiety, overwhelm and depression. We explore why changing a belief is often not enough, how unconscious habits and hidden rewards shape our behaviour, and why getting to the root of the problem means developing a better relationship with your own mind. Monique also explains the difference between doing something that feels meditative and having a formal meditation practice. We also discuss resilience, Monique's recovery from a serious autoimmune illness and cancer diagnosis, and the psychological risks of entering retirement without replacing the identity, structure, relationships and purpose that work once provided. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation about becoming less reactive, more conscious and better able to handle whatever life brings. Content note: This conversation includes discussion of childhood trauma, suicide and serious illness. Find out more about Monique and take her happiness quiz at IIntendToBeHappy.com.

  4. 7 Sept

    He Reinvented His Health at 60, Now He’s Running Half Marathons at 72: Norman Calvo

    What if your best decades started after 60? Norman Calvo proves they can.  At 72, he is running half marathons, training in the gym, practising handstands, and even stepping onto the stage as a singer, and his story is a blueprint for anyone who wants to stay strong, capable, and fully alive as they age. I talk with Norman about the wake-up call that changed everything: being overweight, dealing with high blood pressure, and struggling up subway stairs in Manhattan before deciding to reinvent his health at 60.  What followed was not a quick fix, but a total shift in identity, discipline, and the way he thinks about success. You'll discover how Norman applied the same planning, vision, and consistency that built his mortgage business to his health, why “non-negotiable habits” matter more than motivation, and how he trains his body and mind with a weekly routine built around running, strength work, and challenge. I also unpack the idea of “performance span”, the ability to keep doing the things you want to do, not just live longer. We break down the value conflict that keeps so many people stuck, why comfort can quietly erode resilience, and how discomfort, failure, and even embarrassment can become part of your growth.  Norman shares what he wishes he had done at 45 and 50, why he believes limits are often self-imposed, and how starting late still beats never starting at all. Essential listening if you're over 50, worried that age is slowing you down, or ready to build a healthier future before your body forces the issue.

  5. 19 Aug

    John Uttley on Resilience, Health, and the Mindset That Carries You Through Pressure

    Welcome to The Resilient Life, the podcast for people who want to stay healthy, capable, and strong through every stage of life. I’m Chris Deavin, and in this show we explore the habits, mindset, and resilience it takes to keep performing at a high level, especially as we get older. In this guest podcast, I speak with John Uttley. Some people don’t just survive pressure, they learn how to move through it without losing themselves. John Uttley shares the hard-earned perspective behind a life in high-stakes finance, a long career in the UK electricity industry, and the habits that helped him stay strong, active, and grounded into later life. Raised in post-war Lancashire, educated at Oxford, and rising quickly to finance director and deputy chief executive of the Central Electricity Generating Board, John brings a rare view of change from the inside. He lived through austerity, the miners’ strike, privatisation, and the relentless demands of leadership, and he explains how those experiences shaped his understanding of resilience, work, and wellbeing. You'll discover: Why sport became more than fitness for John - it became social connection, mental reset, and a practical way to cope with changeHow football, cricket, walking, the gym, and even dogs helped him stay active without chasing extremesWhat it was like carrying major responsibility through the stress of industry upheaval and why he thinks some people have “another gear”How upbringing, environment, and mindset shape resilience long before adulthoodWhy his view of success has shifted from status and ambition to perspective, usefulness, and living well We also break down the tension between modern comfort and older forms of toughness, why too many people back away the moment change gets uncomfortable, and what younger generations might learn from a mindset built on getting on with it rather than waiting for perfect conditions. John also reflects on writing later in life, including his trilogy and standalone novel, and why storytelling still matters when it helps even a few readers feel seen. It’s a thoughtful conversation about ageing, discipline, family, faith, and the quiet value of keeping going. Essential listening if you care about longevity, resilience, and building a meaningful life without being ruled by stress.

  6. 30 Jul

    Guest Podcast: Kendra Kinnison

    In this episode of The Resilient Life Podcast, Chris sits down with Kendra Kinnison for a candid conversation about balancing a demanding professional life with long-term health and well-being. Kendra shares how years of high stress, poor habits, and physical pain led her to make intentional changes that transformed the way she works, moves, and thinks about success. They discuss the link between health and leadership, why daily habits matter more than big breakthroughs, and how resilience can be built like a muscle. Kendra also opens up about self-experimentation, managing energy, supporting blood sugar health, and making healthy choices the default part of everyday life. This episode is a practical, motivating reminder that success is not just about achievement, it’s about staying capable, clear, and resilient enough to keep showing up well for your work, your family, and yourself.

  7. 23 Jul

    Guest Episode: What It Takes To Run A Business While Staying Healthy

    In this episode of The Resilient Life, Chris is joined by Steve Dye for an honest conversation about staying fit, strong, and healthy over 50 while balancing the demands of business, family, and everyday life. Steve shares how his approach to health evolved from sports and occasional activity into a more intentional long-term practice, shaped by work, fatherhood, and the realities of ageing. They explore the idea of success, the importance of resilience, and why staying physically capable helps support every other part of life. It’s a thoughtful discussion about building habits, adapting to changing priorities, and making sure the “legs of the stool” stay balanced as life gets busier. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the conversation on aging, health, and life balance 02:05 - Steve's background in fitness and how it evolved over decades 04:35 - The impact of life events—marriage, kids, career—on fitness habits 07:04 - Early ambitions and long-term planning for life and health 10:31 - Recognizing the importance of long-term health at different ages 12:41 - The aging process and adapting fitness routines over time 13:44 - Planning for health longevity and avoiding regret in later years 15:41 - Redefining success in health, business, and life 16:01 - The evolving definition of success as we age 19:02 - The significance of process appreciation over results 20:40 - Comparing success in health versus business 21:12 - The team sport of business and individual journey of health 22:51 - Marrying personal health goals with business responsibilities 25:10 - The challenge of balancing family, business, and fitness 28:04 - Navigating overcommitment and prioritization in life 30:20 - Maintaining non-negotiable habits during travel or hectic periods 33:31 - Building resilience through physical activity and mental focus 34:34 - Lessons learned from challenging moments like marathons and hikes 36:25 - Applying fitness lessons to business decision-making 38:28 - How aging impacts strength and capacity for work and life 40:44 - Staying capable and energetic through fitness as we age 41:40 - The importance of physical health to sustain all areas of life 44:18 - Daily habits for sustainability and resilience 45:12 - Favorite books and sources of inspiration 46:11 - Mentors and influences shaping success and resilience 47:45 - The best ways to stay fit and active 48:55 - Advice for professionals over 50 aiming for sustained high performance 49:57 - What a resilient life really means 51:12 - The value of staying capable and helping others as we age 53:14 - The impact of perspective and continuous learning 54:22 - Closing thoughts on the journey of health, success, and resilience Resources & Links: [Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien](amazon.com/s?k=Lord+of+the+Rings) Benjamin Franklin Biography

  8. 16 Jul

    Guest Episode: How A Successful Business Coach Stays Strong & Fit

    In this episode of The Resilient Life: The Art of Aging Strong, Chris Deavin speaks with business coach Lydia Axe about building a successful life on your own terms. Lydia shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the mindset shift that helped her leave the “proper job” path behind, and why she believes success means living in alignment with your own values. The conversation goes deep on failure, resilience, and the lessons that come from taking risks, making mistakes, and learning to keep going. Lydia also opens up about the role of sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management in sustaining high performance, especially as you move into your fifties and beyond. If you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or simply someone wanting to stay strong, capable, and energized for the long haul, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on what it really takes to thrive. Timestamps: 00:00 - Lydia's background: from corporate to coaching and entrepreneurship 02:21 - Childhood influences and how they shaped her entrepreneurial mindset 03:41 - Redefining success beyond societal standards 06:15 - The vital role of failure in achieving success and resilience 08:42 - How health affects professional performance and personal well-being 10:31 - The importance of sleep and managing stress for sustained energy 12:55 - Living in alignment with personal values to define success 16:24 - Embracing failure as part of the journey, not an obstacle 22:11 - Practical insights on celebrating failure and learning from setbacks 24:27 - The influence of health on productivity and mental clarity 30:35 - How nutrition and movement impact stress and energy levels 36:32 - Future-proofing health and business in the coming decades 45:01 - Practical tips for staying active and resilient into the 50s and beyond 55:20 - The power of walking, scenery, and mindset in health maintenance 58:00 - Final thoughts on integrating health and career for longevity Resources & Links: Andrew Huberman, PhD - Neuroscience and health discussionsGretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies Personality FrameworkAri Mazel - Productivity and health expertThe Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

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About

This isn’t a podcast about chasing youth. It’s about building a life that stays strong, capable, and resilient as you age. Hosted by Chris Deavin, The Resilient Life is designed for high-performing professionals over 50 who have mastered discipline in their careers, but struggle to apply that same consistency to their health, fitness, and lifestyle. Each episode cuts through the noise of the health industry and focuses on what actually works long term: identity, structure, accountability, and resilience. You’ll learn how to: Stay consistent with training, nutrition, and daily habits, even when life gets busy Build strength, energy, and capability well into your 50s, 60s and beyond Overcome setbacks quickly without falling into the “what-the-hell” cycle Design your environment so healthy actions become automatic Shift from relying on motivation to building a system that works regardless of how you feel This podcast blends real coaching insights, practical strategies, and honest conversations about what it truly takes to maintain your PerformanceSpan—that period of life where you operate at a high level physically and mentally. If you want to stay strong, independent, and fully capable for decades to come, without extreme diets, burnout, or unrealistic routines, this is where you start. Because ageing well isn’t about luck. It’s about how you live.

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