Meaning and Moxie After 50

Leslie Maloney

Looking for more inspiration and possibility in midlife and beyond? Join host Leslie Maloney, proud wife, mom, author and teacher, as she talks with people finding Meaning and Moxie in their life after 50.

  1. 4d ago

    The Surprising Thing Happy Couples Have in Common

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with relationship therapist and Marriage Therapy Radio host Zach Brittle about what it really takes to build and maintain healthy relationships over time. Zach shares candidly about his nearly 30-year marriage, his decision to stop drinking in 2020, and the realization that sobriety alone didn’t automatically repair the damage in his relationships. His deeper work became what he calls “relational recovery”—recognizing his anger, resentment, and habitual reactions and learning to take responsibility for how he shows up with his wife, children, and others. Together, Leslie and Zach explore the stories we tell ourselves, the different “parts” of ourselves that can take over in difficult moments, and the importance of realizing that our perspective is only one piece of the truth. The conversation also turns to what makes relationships last, especially as we get older. Zach encourages couples to stop approaching conflict like litigators trying to prove who is right and instead become collaborators building something together. He shares one of his favorite lessons from working with long-term couples: strong couples often have a shared “thing”—a friendship, activity, value, adventure, or interest that gives them a sense of identity together. Leslie shares how she and her husband have found that through activities like dance lessons while also maintaining interests of their own. Ultimately, the episode is about emotional maturity, self-awareness, friendship, and accepting that we’re never really finished learning how to love, communicate, and show up for the people who matter most. Zach's Info: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marriage-therapy-radio/id1295458667 https://www.huffpost.com/author/zach-197 https://www.vanityfair.com/video/watch/reviews-therapists-review-disney-relationships-from-frozen-to-the-little-mermaid **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  2. Aug 10

    Dying Well: What an End-of-Life Doula Wants Us to Know

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with Rachel Langenohl, an end-of-life doula and founder of Sacred Time, for a heartfelt conversation about bringing greater peace, dignity, and even joy to the end of life. Rachel explains how an end-of-life doula complements hospice care by focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and relational needs that often arise when someone is dying. Drawing on her years as a hospice volunteer and her personal experiences with loved ones, Rachel shares how simply listening, facilitating difficult family conversations, offering companionship, and understanding what matters to an individual can make an enormous difference during this deeply personal time. Rachel also shares several moving stories from her work, including sitting vigil with people who might otherwise have died alone, praying the rosary with a frightened man whose anxiety eased before he passed, and witnessing people near death seemingly communicate with loved ones who had already died. Leslie and Rachel explore why our culture tends to avoid conversations about death and how becoming more comfortable with mortality can actually deepen our appreciation for life, connection, and the present moment. Rachel also discusses her “Eat, Drink, and Be Mortal” dinners, where people gather over dishes that remind them of someone they've lost, using stories, laughter, and sometimes tears to make conversations about death less frightening and more human. Rachel's info: https://www.sacredtime.net/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  3. Aug 3

    5 Reasons to Travel After 50 and Beyond

    In this solo episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney shares her top five reasons why travel becomes even more valuable as we age. She explains that travel isn't about luxury vacations or checking destinations off a bucket list—it's about stepping outside our routines and into new experiences that wake us up to the world around us. Whether it's a weekend road trip, visiting family, or exploring another country, travel helps us become more present, sparks curiosity, broadens our perspective, and reminds us that there is more than one way to live a meaningful life. Leslie also explores how travel builds confidence, supports our physical and mental well-being, and encourages lifelong growth. Drawing on her own experiences, she reflects on how navigating unfamiliar places, meeting people from different cultures, and embracing the unexpected can help us stay flexible, resilient, and engaged with life. Her message is simple but powerful: after 50, travel isn't just about seeing new places—it's about continuing to grow, finding joy in the journey, and creating stories that enrich the rest of our lives. Leslie's Info: http://www.meaningandmoxieafter50.com **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  4. Jul 27

    How Hosting International Students Can Change Your Life After 50

    In this episode, Leslie talks with Jennifer Robin Wilson—author of The Heart of Homestay, entrepreneur, leadership coach, and former CEO of the Canada Homestay Network—about the life-changing experience of hosting international students. Jennifer explains how homestay programs connect students from around the world with local families, creating meaningful cultural exchanges that benefit everyone involved. She shares why adults over 50, especially empty nesters and retirees, often make exceptional hosts, finding renewed purpose, companionship, and the opportunity to "travel without leaving home." The conversation also covers the practical side of hosting, including how students are matched with families, the support organizations provide, the varying lengths of stays, compensation in different programs, and how interested listeners can explore hosting opportunities in their own communities. The discussion then shifts to Jennifer's own story of reinvention. After an unexpected divorce ended her career as a midwife, she joined her family's homestay business, earned an MBA, and eventually grew the organization from a small regional operation into a nationwide network that has placed more than 100,000 students from over 130 countries. Now serving as chair of the board, Jennifer has stepped away from daily operations to focus on writing, coaching, and helping leaders and entrepreneurs navigate change. Her journey is a powerful reminder that life's unexpected detours can become meaningful new beginnings, and that embracing new opportunities—whether through hosting, entrepreneurship, or a career pivot—can lead to deeper connection, purpose, and personal growth. Jennifer's Info: https://oakbaycoachingandconsulting.ca/ https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Homestay-Meaningful-Connections-International/dp/1774584980/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LX27HTEE0PF9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8iZMvYuyCdFksU-_RVHV8g.zbmpeiGDzPmT0v1iNw9eVA2QQ6LDKQ2Rd0nUJNQK-lo&dib_tag=se&keywords=9781774584989&qid=1721832257&sprefix=9781774584989%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  5. Jul 20

    Meet Margaret: The 93-Year-Old Who Will Change the Way You Think About Aging

    In this fascinating episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with 93-year-old author, conservationist and mathematician Margaret Broussard for a conversation that spans nearly a century of history, adventure, and purpose. Margaret shares what it was like growing up in "Old Florida" before air conditioning, widespread development, and the state's explosive population growth. She reflects on her family's commitment to preserving more than 3,000 acres of authentic Florida wilderness through conservation, ensuring that future generations can experience the natural beauty she has cherished throughout her life. Along the way, she also discusses the importance of recording family stories, writing her memoirs, and preserving history before it's lost. Beyond her work in conservation, Margaret's career was decades ahead of its time. After earning a master's degree in mathematics, she taught college-level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics before becoming one of the earliest professionals in the emerging computer industry, programming massive mainframe computers long before personal computers existed. Leslie and Margaret also discuss the challenges women faced in STEM careers, the value of lifelong learning, and Margaret's remarkable spirit of adventure—including skydiving at age 90. Filled with wisdom, humor, and perspective, this episode is a powerful reminder that purpose, curiosity, and meaningful contribution don't have an expiration date. **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  6. Jul 13

    Growing Older, Growing Wiser: Harmony Slater on Yoga and the Journey of Life

    In this episode, Leslie sits down with author, entrepreneur, and one of the world's most highly certified Ashtanga yoga instructors, Harmony Slater, for a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to live with intention. While they begin by exploring Harmony's impressive background in the Ashtanga yoga tradition, the discussion quickly expands into the deeper lessons yoga offers beyond the mat—learning to quiet the mind, regulate the nervous system, let go of perfectionism, and develop greater self-awareness. Harmony shares how these practices can help women navigate life's transitions, avoid burnout, and reconnect with themselves instead of constantly striving or seeking external validation. The conversation also explores the realities of building a meaningful life and business after major life changes. Harmony candidly discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of trusting yourself, and why success isn't simply about working harder but about aligning your actions with your values and purpose. Together, Leslie and Harmony encourage listeners to embrace curiosity, create space for reflection and recognize that lasting fulfillment comes from cultivating inner resilience rather than chasing achievement. The episode leaves listeners with practical inspiration for slowing down, finding clarity, and creating a life that feels both purposeful and deeply grounded. Harmony's info: https://harmonyslater.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  7. Jul 6

    Healing the Patterns That Keep You Stuck

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with life coach and author Lisa Taylor to discuss her new book, It All Begins With You, and the deeply personal experiences that inspired it. Lisa shares how a series of life-altering events—including an unexpected move, becoming the primary caregiver for her six-year-old niece after a family crisis, and the eventual end of her marriage—forced her to confront years of unresolved childhood trauma. Rather than simply surviving these challenges, she chose to embark on an intentional healing journey, using practices such as journaling, meditation, breathwork, and kundalini yoga to better understand herself. Together, Leslie and Lisa explore how our most difficult seasons often become our greatest teachers, revealing patterns we've carried for years and opening the door to lasting transformation. The conversation also focuses on practical tools for emotional healing and nervous system regulation, emphasizing that personal growth is an ongoing process rather than a destination. Lisa explains how healing her own emotional wounds ultimately led her to transition from running a successful marketing agency into coaching others through similar life transitions. Leslie highlights the importance of continually adding "new tools to the toolbox" as we grow and change, especially after 50, when many women are reevaluating who they are and what they want next. Filled with hope, wisdom, and actionable insights, this episode encourages listeners to stop looking outside themselves for answers and begin the rewarding work of healing from within so they can create a more authentic and fulfilling life. Lisa's Info:  https://www.instagram.com/thelisataylor/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  8. Jun 29

    Why Somatic Healing Is the Missing Piece to Nervous System Regulation After 50

    In this episode, Leslie sits down with somatic healing practitioner Lori Montry to explore why so many people feel stuck despite years of self-help, positive thinking, or traditional talk therapy. Lori explains that lasting change requires more than changing our thoughts—it requires working with the body and nervous system, which often hold onto past experiences and keep us in survival mode. Together, they discuss how chronic busyness, overstimulation, and the pressure to constantly achieve disconnect us from ourselves, making it difficult to access creativity, intuition, and authentic joy.  Leslie and Lori also share practical, science-backed strategies to regulate the nervous system and create more calm in everyday life. From building "see where the wind takes me" days and practicing intentional rest to limiting technology, improving sleep habits, embracing nature, and using simple somatic exercises like the "voo" breath and the "push away" technique, they offer listeners accessible tools to move out of stress and into resilience. Lori's message from her book, You're Not the Problem, is both hopeful and empowering: if you're struggling with follow-through, self-care, or breaking old patterns, it's not a lack of willpower—it's often a nervous system asking for safety. This inspiring conversation reminds listeners that by caring for our bodies as well as our minds, we can create lasting change, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.  Lori's Information:  Website: www.LoriMontry.com  Youtube: Lori Montry -Somatic Healing Practitioner - YouTube Facebook:  www.facebook.com/LoriMontry  Instagram: Instagram  Email List (1.5k): https://www.lorimontry.com/book-intro **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

5
out of 5
77 Ratings

About

Looking for more inspiration and possibility in midlife and beyond? Join host Leslie Maloney, proud wife, mom, author and teacher, as she talks with people finding Meaning and Moxie in their life after 50.

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