"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. 11h ago

    Designing Your Slice of Heaven with Leo Santana

    Send us Fan Mail Got a garden plot you're not sure what to do with? Or maybe a balcony that could use a little extra spice? Well good news! Leo Santana returns this week to help point you in the right direction. For those who haven't heard Leo on the show before, he's an interior designer and one of the founders of D'Novo Design. He shares a ton of information about making your garden and balcony space into a truly beautiful and comfortable place to be: picking plants that suit your location, finding decor that matches the vibe, and all the secrets of design that'll make your balcony the envy of both friends and onlookers. To see some of Leo's design work for yourself, you can follow him on Instagram here, or visit his website at dnovodesign.com. And if you're in need of a consultation, you can also send him an email at leosantanadesign@gmail.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!

    42 min

  2. Jun 18

    Why Essentrics is Essential with Susan B.

    Send us Fan Mail Time to get moving! This week's show sheds some light on a little-known (but positively excellent) exercise program called Essentrics, which might just hold the secrets to unlocking the body stiffness most of us experience as we age.  This week's guest is Susan, a former Essentrics coach who's been doing their workouts herself for many years. She describes the program as "One of the best things that's ever happened to me," and it's easy to see why: it's musical, whimsical and puts lots of emphasis on staying fit & limber without pushing yourself too hard. While most exercise plans focus on concentric movements like weight lifting, Essentrics instead prioritizes eccentric movements, which use the muscles fully extended and don't require weights of any kind. As Susan explains, they pack a ton of benefits for anyone with stiff joints or trouble moving around. Just look at Susan herself! At 76 years old, she can still get on her hands and knees to play with her baby grandson - and even stand back up with him in her arms. And the best news? You don't even need to leave your house! There are in-person Essentrics classes running all over the place, but if you can't find one near you, they also have a huge repository of classes available to stream online at essentrics.com. For any of our listeners in the USA, you can also find their workouts on PBS, under the name "Classical Stretch." 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

  3. Jun 3

    Summertime Sadness: Seasonal Depression in Warmer Weather with Jackie Adams

    Send us Fan Mail Did you know Seasonal Affective Disorder isn't limited to the winter months? Our good friend and resident mental health expert Jackie Adams returns this week to shed some light on why seasonal depression can sometimes rear its ugly head as the weather warms up. From longer days leading to less sleep, to the pressure of getting your "beach bod" ready (and the self-esteem trouble that comes from not having one), Jackie dives into all of the various factors that might lead to stress, anxiety and depression in the summer.  But of course, those factors only tell part of the story - which is why we also discuss the impact of social media and the draining effect of the 24-hour news cycle on our mental health. If you'd like to get in contact with Jackie for therapy or advice, you can send her an email at JackieLAdams@gmail.com, or visit her website for more information. 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!

    37 min

  4. May 21

    Life Reflections at 73

    Send us Fan Mail In this rare and deeply personal solo episode, Barb reflects on her 73 years of life on Earth, and all the things she's learned and experienced in that time. She discusses love, heartbreak, connection, loss, sadness, joy, and most importantly, how all of those experiences have affected the person she is today.  She also shares some excellent tips for fellow Boomers on how she stays fit, happy, and healthy - both mentally and physically. (Hint: It helps to start as early as you can. Take notes, 20-somethings!) 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!

    9 min

  5. Apr 22

    Journaling: A Resurgence

    Send us Fan Mail Can journaling help reduce stress, process grief, spark self-discovery, and even become part of the legacy we leave behind? In this thoughtful conversation, Barb and returning guest Denise Torgerson explore the many forms journaling can take—from art and gratitude journals to guided prompts, and even letter writing. They share personal stories of using journals through major life transitions, including loss, dating, healing, and personal growth, while reflecting on why putting pen to paper can be such a powerful act of self-care. Whether you’ve kept journals for decades or have never written a word, this episode may inspire you to pick up a pen and begin. 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!

    34 min

  6. Apr 8

    Breathe Better, Feel Better: How Conscious Breathing Calms Anxiety & Resets Your Nervous System

    Send us Fan Mail What if one of the most powerful ways to manage stress and anxiety was something you’re already doing all day—breathing? In this episode, Barb is joined again by somatic yin yoga instructor Annie Au to explore the power of conscious breathing. Together, they discuss why there’s no single “right” way to breathe, and how simply becoming aware of your breathing patterns can help you better understand what’s happening in your body. Annie explains how different types of breathing can either calm or energize you, depending on your state, and why long exhales are such an effective way to bring the body back to a relaxed, safe place. They also talk about the connection between breath and anxiety, how the nervous system responds to stress, and simple techniques you can use in everyday moments to reset and feel more in control. This conversation is a reminder that small, intentional changes—like how you breathe—can have a big impact on how you feel. Connect with Annie by visiting her website https://annieauyoga.com or find her on Instagram @annie_au_yoga. 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!

    35 min

  7. Apr 1

    Motion Is Lotion: Feel Stronger, Move Better, and Age with Confidence

    Send us Fan Mail Is walking every day really enough to stay healthy as we age? In this powerful and research-backed episode, Barb is joined by “super agers” Larry Wolf and David Cravit to break down what your body actually needs after 60 to stay strong, mobile, and independent. They introduce the simple but game-changing FABS formula: Flexibility, Aerobics, Balance & Breathing, and Strength Training — a practical approach to fitness that goes beyond walking. Join the SuperAging Revolution at https://superagingnews.com/ to learn more about the latest news, trends, and ideas on longevity and aging with confidence. 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!

    35 min

  8. Mar 11

    Dating After 70: Independence, Dating Apps & Raising the Bar

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Barb welcomes back therapist and returning guest Jackie Adams for an honest and deeply relatable conversation about dating later in life. Both single women in their seventies, Barb and Jackie share personal stories of navigating dating after divorce and widowhood—exploring everything from dating apps and scammers to emotional availability, trust, and the changing expectations of relationships in later life. They reflect on how dating in your 60s and 70s is very different from dating in your twenties. Many boomers today are simply seeking companionship, mutual respect, and meaningful conversation. 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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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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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