Late Boomers

Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins

Welcome to Late Boomers, the podcast that is your guide to creating a third act with style, power and impact! Join your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, as they bring you conversations with successful artists, entrepreneurs and entertainers who have set themselves up for an amazing third act. Everyone has a story, and Cathy and Merry take you along for the ride on each interview, recounting the journey each guest has taken to get where they are, and inspiring you to create a path to success as you look toward your own third act!

  1. Unlocking Brain Health After 50: Neuroplasticity, Growth, and Reinvention with Dr. Tere Linzey

    5D AGO

    Unlocking Brain Health After 50: Neuroplasticity, Growth, and Reinvention with Dr. Tere Linzey

    Welcome back to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and today’s episode dives into one of our most exciting and empowering topics yet—brain health, neuroplasticity, and the incredible power of reinvention at any age. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Tere Linzey, a licensed educational psychologist and founder of BrainMatterZ. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Linzey specializes in helping people of all ages strengthen critical brain functions like memory, attention, processing speed, and executive skills. If you’ve ever wondered whether cognitive decline is inevitable as you age, get ready for some surprising—and reassuring—news! We explore why keeping your brain active is a game-changer, how simple daily habits can help you maintain and even enhance your cognitive abilities, and why “use it or lose it” isn't just a saying—it’s science-backed truth. Dr. Linzey also shares research-backed tips, practical exercises, and fresh perspectives that will inspire you to make your brain’s health a top priority. Key TakeawaysCognitive Decline Is Not Inevitable: According to Dr. Linzey, it’s a lack of use—not age—that erodes our mental sharpness. Your brain thrives on challenge and engagement.Neuroplasticity Explained: The brain is always learning and adapting. What you practice becomes hardwired—so focus on habits that move you toward your goals.Why Adults Over 50 Have a Unique Advantage: Now is a powerful time to focus on your brain. Reinvention, learning new skills, and even changing careers can stimulate neuroplasticity.The Power of Physical and Mental Exercise: Activities like ping pong, pickleball, and Dr. Linzey’s “brain cards” combine movement with mental focus to boost cognitive fitness.Practical “Brain Optimization” Methods: From pen-and-paper planning to timed brain games, there are fun and accessible ways to stay sharp. Socialization, exercise, and novelty are top performers for brain health.Beware Over-Reliance on Technology: As much as digital tools are helpful, using them as a crutch can dull your critical thinking. Offset screen time with real-world activities.Maintenance is Key: Treat your brain like any other essential system in your life. Maintenance, variety, and challenge keep you vibrant—at any age. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please follow us on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a review, and share this conversation with someone who needs a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent, learn, and thrive. For show links, brain card resources, and more inspiration, visit lateboomers.us. Let’s keep this conversation going—send us your questions or stories of reinvention! Stay curious, keep growing, and remember: it’s never too late to boom.

    42 min
  2. Fitness Over 50: Building Strength, Balance, and Confidence for a Vibrant Third Act

    FEB 25

    Fitness Over 50: Building Strength, Balance, and Confidence for a Vibrant Third Act

    Welcome back to Late Boomers! We're your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and today we're diving into a topic that's close to our hearts—and so important to living our best third act: Fitness After 50. Whether you're just entering this milestone or already thriving in your 60s, 70s, or beyond, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and real stories to help you stay strong, independent, and energized at every age. We sit down with Michael Guadagnino, author of Fitness Over 50, 60, 70, and Beyond, who shares his passion for helping boomers unlock their potential through movement—no matter their starting point. Michael sheds light on why the habits we build post-50 make such an impact on our longevity, happiness, confidence, and daily independence. We also bust some damaging fitness myths, talk about the power of functional strength, and get actionable tips for building a routine that feels good—without intimidation. Key Takeaways: It’s Never Too Late: Michael’s story about Joan Campbell, who began exercising at 59 and was still swimming into her 90s, is proof that transformation is possible at any age.Ditch the Comparison Game: The most important shift is to listen to your own body, stop comparing yourself to others, and build your unique path to fitness.Functional Fitness Is the Goal: We discuss why being able to move well in daily life—not just in the gym—matters so much as we age.Strength Training Matters: Especially for women, building muscle is critical for balance, metabolism, and fall prevention, but getting started doesn't have to be overwhelming.Start Simple, Start Small: You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership—Michael gives great examples of calisthenics, resistance bands, and walking.Mindset Makes the Difference: Embracing aging, letting go of fear and negative self-talk, and celebrating small wins can transform how you approach fitness.Move More, Sit Less: Michael’s motto, “Movement is life,” underlines how important it is to simply keep moving, stretch, and keep blood flowing—even just a few times a week. Ready to Take the First Step? Michael’s advice is to pick one simple thing you can do today—whether it's a short walk, a few chair exercises, or writing down a small goal. Progress, not perfection, is what counts! If you found this episode motivating, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review. Share Late Boomers with a friend who's ready to feel stronger and more confident in their third act. For more insights and to connect with us or our guests, visit lateboomers.us. You can also find us on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Thank you for listening, for moving, and for living boldly with us! With love, Cathy & Merry Mentioned in this episode: Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

    18 min
  3. Discovering Joy and Meaning Across Oceans and Cultures with Alison Gieschen

    FEB 18

    Discovering Joy and Meaning Across Oceans and Cultures with Alison Gieschen

    Welcome, Late Boomers! We're Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and this week, we set sail on a truly transformational journey with Alison Gieschen—author, former horse farm owner, educator, and intrepid world sailor. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave everything behind and follow a lifelong dream? In this inspiring episode, Alison shares how she dared to reinvent her life, selling her horse farm and embarking on an adventure with her husband to sail around the world. From the lush hills of upstate New York to the remote islands of French Polynesia, Alison opens up about her life's boldest moves, the storms she’s weathered—physically and emotionally—and how it all fuels her work as a writer. We dive deep into Alison’s bestselling books, The Seven and A Mermaid’s Tale, the profound lessons she’s learned traveling to over 49 countries, and the universal themes of courage, culture, and resilience that weave through her stories. You'll also hear incredible anecdotes, like surviving life-threatening storms at sea, encounters with solo sailors, and how her lifelong love of horses continues to inspire her writing—even while anchored in paradise. Key TakeawaysReinvention Is Possible at Any Age: Alison’s journey from horse farmer to global sailor proves it's never too late to answer the call of adventure.Facing and Managing Fear: Learn how Alison turned fear into fuel, surviving tumultuous ocean storms and emerging with a deeper understanding of her own resilience.The Transformative Power of Travel: Discover how experiencing different cultures shaped Alison's worldview and the authentic characters in her novels.Writing from Life: Hear how personal stories, hardships (like her son’s bullying), and the solace of animals are woven into her fiction and children’s books.Simplicity Breeds Joy: Alison discusses the happiness she’s witnessed in communities with few material possessions, offering a powerful message for all of us in the West.Finding Community on the Water: Even in the vastness of the ocean, Alison found deep connection and camaraderie with fellow sailors from around the world.Actionable Inspiration for Listeners: Alison encourages everyone to carve out distraction-free time to pursue creativity—and to be brave enough to make the leap toward that “someday” dream. Ready to be inspired for your own third act—or maybe just to ignite your curiosity about life’s possibilities? We invite you to: Subscribe to Late Boomers wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify, etc.) so you never miss these empowering conversations.Check out Alison Gieschen’s books, especially The Seven, A Mermaid’s Tale, Sienna, Riding the Waves of Reality, Blue Ridge, and The Legend of Altor—perfect whether you’re a horse lover, adventurer, or in need of a dose of hope.Visit our website at lateboomers.us for more inspiring content and to get in touch.Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement to take that leap into their own new chapter. Remember, it’s never too late to reinvent, to set your course in a new direction, and to live your adventure with style, power, and impact. Stay curious. Stay bold. And join us next week for another episode of Late Boomers! With love, Cathy & Merry Mentioned in this episode: Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

    38 min
  4. Mindset Transformations: How Boomers Can Rethink Success and Happiness

    FEB 11

    Mindset Transformations: How Boomers Can Rethink Success and Happiness

    Welcome back, Late Boomers! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and in this episode, we open the door to a topic that quietly but profoundly shapes every part of our lives: mindset. If you’ve ever wondered how your habits of thought can influence your success, resilience, happiness, and even how you approach aging and reinvention, you’re in the right place. This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Michael Graham, founder of Mindset Matters Consulting. Michael’s background is as unconventional as it is inspiring: from high-stakes presidential protection details and endurance triathlons, to law enforcement supervision and elite coaching, his journey is a masterclass in the power of mindset under pressure—and how mental shifts can spark transformation at any stage of life. What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeIntroduction & Michael’s Unique Story: We kick off with Michael’s fascinating entry into law enforcement and how serving alongside the Secret Service on presidential details taught him about mindset, leadership, and decision-making under pressure. The Power of Preparation & Courage: Michael explains how training for every contingency—not just in policing, but also as an Ironman athlete—trains the mind to respond rather than react, and how these lessons apply in everyday life. How Endurance Sports Reshape Thinking: From grueling physical challenges to powerful mental visualizations, Michael reveals how focusing on the present, harnessing higher vibrations of gratitude and love, and reframing setbacks became superpowers that carried him through extreme endurance events. Defining Mindset and Breaking Old Patterns: We dive into what “mindset” really means, why it’s foundational to success, and how shifting self-talk and noticing your thoughts are critical first steps to change. Mindset Shifts as We Age: Michael shares beautifully about the evolution of mindset in our later years—how we can become kinder to ourselves, focus less on differences, forgive ourselves more readily, and continue learning without shame. Leadership, Organizations & Measurable Change: We explore how intentionality, values-driven leadership, and genuine compassion can drastically improve not just individual performance, but organizational culture … and, yes, profits too! The Secrets to Successful Mindset Shifts: Michael gives actionable ways to catch negative self-talk and reset with powerful affirmations and consistency. He also draws on his own leap into consulting, encouraging listeners to notice both their longings and any lingering discontent—and to take action on what calls them. Key TakeawaysMindset is strategy, not fluff: Our thoughts shape emotions, drive actions, and ultimately create our results. Change your thinking to change your life.Notice your self-talk: The first step to change is awareness—“notice what you’re noticing” and take action to re-pattern self-limiting beliefs.Preparation brings peace: Planning for the predictable makes the preventable possible, giving you strength and confidence under pressure at any age.Kindness begins with yourself: Especially as we age, give yourself grace, forgive mistakes, and never stop learning—much like a child learning to walk!Follow your longings: Pay attention to that inner nudge toward something more—your desires are part of your soul’s instructions, not just selfish whims.Intentional leadership raises everyone up: Organizational success flows from clear values, compassion, and support at every level.Affirmations and repetition rewire self-image: You cannot outperform your belief in yourself, so feed your mind what you want to believe—consistently. Are you ready to rethink what’s possible and create your own extraordinary third act? Start today by noticing your mindset. What do you long for? Where do you feel discontent? Give yourself permission to follow your curiosity and improve your self-talk. We invite you to share this episode with a friend, subscribe, and leave us a review! For more wisdom on reinvention and thriving at any age, check out our website at lateboomers.us or listen to all our episodes at ewnpodcastnetwork.com. And if Michael Graham’s story resonated with you, explore his work at mindsetmattersconsulting.com. As we always say, it’s never too late to rethink what’s possible. — Cathy & Merry Mentioned in this episode: Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

    51 min
  5. The Power of Reinvention: Creativity, Courage, and Michelle Danner’s Path

    FEB 4

    The Power of Reinvention: Creativity, Courage, and Michelle Danner’s Path

    Welcome back to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and this week we are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary guest who truly embodies the power of reinvention—Michelle Danner. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start something new, get ready to challenge that belief. In this uplifting conversation, we sit down with acclaimed acting teacher, director, and creative powerhouse Michelle Danner. Michelle has coached Hollywood stars, founded Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, and seamlessly transitioned from performer and teacher to entrepreneur and filmmaker—with films like Miranda’s Victim, The Italians, and Under the Stars streaming now. She joins us to share her wisdom about creativity, discipline, and finding the courage to pursue new passions at any stage. We dive deep into Michelle’s unique approach to teaching through her “Golden Box” method, her journey through multiple genres and careers, and her personal experiences growing up surrounded by visionary mentors (including her father, president of the William Morris Agency in Paris!). Michelle’s stories will inspire you to rewrite your next chapter with confidence. Key Takeaways: It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent: Michelle is living proof that there’s no expiration date on growth. Whether it’s stepping behind the camera for the first time or learning a new craft, her philosophy is to stay open to possibilities and never give in to fear or limiting beliefs.Lessons from the Greats: Discover the priceless techniques Michelle learned from icons like Stella Adler and Uta Hagen—and how she customizes her approach to empower every individual.The Power of Passion & Work Ethic: Michelle reveals the qualities successful actors (and all high achievers) share: relentless work ethic and true passion. She encourages us all to keep moving forward, even (and especially) when it feels hard.Balancing a Dynamic Life: From parenthood to professional juggling, Michelle shares her real-life strategies for organization, including her love of making (very long!) lists and her recent tech upgrades for staying on top of her creative chaos.Living with Heart & Integrity: Michelle’s family stories: Growing up with a risk-taking, people-first father and watching her parents’ unique approaches to aging taught her the value of adventure, kindness, and not worrying about what others think.Practical Self-Care for Energy: Listen in as she shares how swimming, stretching, and even the latest in cellular wellness keep her energized for all her endeavors. If today’s episode inspires you to embrace your next chapter, we would love to hear from you! Follow the Late Boomers podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review—your feedback fuels our mission to bring you stories of reinvention and hope. Share this episode with a friend who needs that nudge to try something new or step boldly into their “third act.” Remember, it’s never too late to boom. We can’t wait for you to join us as we continue showcasing remarkable stories each week. For more episodes and resources, visit our website at LateBoomers.us or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast sites. — Cathy & Merry Mentioned in this episode: Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

    39 min
  6. JAN 28

    New Season, New Energy: Late Boomers Season Kickoff

    Welcome to the premier episode of the new season of the Late Boomers podcast! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, your guides to creating your third act with style, power, and impact. In this fresh season kickoff, we’re sharing our excitement about all the big changes underway—including a brand new producer and a renewed commitment to exploring reinvention, resilience, and the art of aging boldly. We dive into the power of self-talk, manifestation, and how the stories we tell ourselves truly shape our lives and futures. Our mission is to inspire you with conversations featuring successful entrepreneurs, entertainers, changemakers, and individuals who have completely transformed their paths in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Whether you’re starting over, seeking a new direction, or simply in need of a morale boost, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways: Your Story Isn’t Over: Life doesn’t end at 50, 60, or even 70—it gets more interesting. Reinvention is possible at any age.Power of Self-Talk: The way we talk to ourselves matters. Switching from “I’m too old for this” to “I’m finally ready for this” opens up new possibilities.Manifestation Isn’t Just Positive: Our thoughts manifest, whether they’re positive or negative. Being mindful of your self-talk is crucial for growth.Rewrite Your Script: We can let go of outdated, unhelpful stories and embrace new ones that empower us. Talk to yourself like someone you truly care about.Real Stories, Real Inspiration: This season, we spotlight people who have turned loss into purpose and bravely tried something new, proving it’s never too late to make a meaningful change. We invite you to listen to your own self-talk this week and make it kinder—because the voice you hear most is your own, and it can either build your future or block it. If this episode resonated with you, please like and subscribe where you listen or watch. Don’t miss upcoming episodes—big guests and bigger stories are headed your way. Thanks for starting your new season with the Late Boomers podcast! Mentioned in this episode: Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

    6 min
  7. Battle-Tested Wisdom with Pete A. Turner

    11/26/2025

    Battle-Tested Wisdom with Pete A. Turner

    What does it take to build trust in a warzone? How do you keep a podcast fresh after 2,000 episodes? Merry and Cathy dive deep with the fascinating Pete A. Turner, a former army counterintelligence agent and host of the Break It Down Show. Pete takes us on a journey through his gripping career as a spy, sharing stories from the frontlines that reveal the art of navigating complex cultural landscapes. Discover Pete's insights on leadership and communication, shaped by his experiences in high-stakes environments. We also explore his thriving podcasting career, where he shares the secrets to booking compelling guests and creating valuable content. Pete's tales of trust-building and handling diverse opinions offer a masterclass in meaningful dialogue. Plus, get a sneak peek into his exciting future projects in documentary and film. Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration and actionable wisdom! 🎙️ About PetePete A Turner is an Executive Producer. He is also the host of the Break It Down Show. BIDS has been in production over 10 years and has published over 2000 episodes. Pete is a former US Army Counterintelligence Agent. His deployments include 70 months in combat zones. His time working conflict includes over 1000 combat patrols. The experiences garnered over these years, whether on BIDS or patrolling the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq, have provided Pete with a collection of insights and wisdom that make him one of the most renowned speakers in the field of intelligence. Connect with PeteYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeteATurnerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.a.turnerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peteaturner/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peteaturnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteaturner/

    50 min
5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Welcome to Late Boomers, the podcast that is your guide to creating a third act with style, power and impact! Join your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, as they bring you conversations with successful artists, entrepreneurs and entertainers who have set themselves up for an amazing third act. Everyone has a story, and Cathy and Merry take you along for the ride on each interview, recounting the journey each guest has taken to get where they are, and inspiring you to create a path to success as you look toward your own third act!