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. 3d ago

    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.

    46 min

  2. Jun 22

    How to Clear the Clutter, Reduce Stress, and Create More Space for What Matters Most

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with professional organizer, author, and entrepreneur Lisa Woodruff about how getting organized is about much more than having a tidy closet—it’s about reducing stress, gaining control, and creating a life that feels more manageable. Lisa shares her own journey of approaching age 40 feeling overwhelmed, reactive, and stuck, before deciding to take a proactive approach to her future by launching Organize365. Drawing from her background as a teacher and professional organizer, she explains how organization systems can help people navigate the increasing complexity of modern life, particularly for women who often find themselves managing not only their own households but also helping aging parents, adult children, and other family members. A major focus of the conversation is Lisa’s signature “Sunday Basket” system, which helps people manage the constant flow of papers, to-do lists, bills, appointments, and household responsibilities that often create mental clutter. She explains that organization is not about perfection—it’s about creating repeatable systems that reduce decision fatigue and help people stay in control of their lives. One particularly powerful story involves a woman and her mother, who was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. By using the same organizational system together, the mother was able to maintain her household responsibilities longer, while the daughter gained valuable insight into managing her mother’s affairs as her condition progressed. The episode offers practical wisdom, hope, and encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities and looking for simple ways to create more order, freedom, and peace of mind. Lisa's Info: https://organize365.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.

    39 min

  3. Jun 15

    Nervous System Regulation 101: Easy Practices for Less Stress and More Calm

    In this solo episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie explores why so many women over 50 feel stuck in a constant state of stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. Drawing on her background as a certified stress management coach and longtime yoga teacher, she explains the science behind nervous system regulation and shares a powerful message: you cannot think your way out of a stressed body—you must physically show your body that it is safe. Leslie breaks down the difference between the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and restore") nervous systems, explaining how chronic stress impacts everything from sleep and muscle tension to emotional well-being. Throughout the episode, Leslie guides listeners through several simple, science-backed practices that can calm the nervous system in real time. These include an orientation exercise that uses sight and touch to signal safety to the brain, extended exhale breathing to stimulate the vagus nerve and improve heart rate variability, releasing tension in the jaw and shoulders, and a self-hug technique based on deep pressure therapy. She emphasizes that lasting change comes not from occasional wellness practices but from small, daily moments of regulation that retrain the brain through neuroplasticity. Leslie closes with a reminder that true moxie after 50 isn't about pushing through exhaustion—it's about creating a body and life that feel safe, calm, and supportive every day. Leslie's Info: https://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.

    32 min

  4. Jun 8

    The Surprising Truth About Dating, Intimacy, and Love After 50

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with psychotherapist and certified sex therapist Brooke Bralove about dating, intimacy, and relationships after 50. Brooke explains that many women in the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations grew up with limited or negative messages about sex, leaving them without accurate information about their bodies, pleasure, and intimacy. She discusses how menopause, aging, divorce, empty nesting, and other life transitions can create both excitement and uncertainty, while emphasizing that it is never too late to learn, grow, and develop a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with sexuality. Throughout the conversation, she encourages women to communicate openly with partners, prioritize their own pleasure, and challenge outdated beliefs that often prevent authentic connection. The discussion also explores the realities of dating later in life, particularly the challenges and opportunities of dating apps. Brooke shares practical advice, including limiting time spent on apps, meeting potential partners relatively quickly, using video chats for safety and compatibility screening, and avoiding the trap of becoming emotionally invested in online conversations before meeting in person. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing chemistry from compatibility, evaluating people for who they are now rather than their potential, and developing resilience in the face of rejection. While acknowledging the frustrations of modern dating, Brooke remains optimistic, noting that many people find meaningful relationships later in life when they approach dating with self-awareness, honesty, and a willingness to stay open to new possibilities. Brooke's info: https://brookebralove.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.

    59 min

  5. Jun 1

    What a Fifth-Generation Alaskan Fisherwoman Can Teach Us About Resilience and Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with Sena Wheeler, a fifth-generation Alaskan fisherwoman, entrepreneur, and co-owner of a family-run salmon business. Sena shares the rich history of her family's fishing roots, which stretch back through generations in Norway before her grandfather immigrated to the United States. She describes fishing not simply as a profession, but as a family lifestyle that requires the involvement of spouses, children, and multiple generations. The conversation explores the deep connection fishing families have with nature, the ocean, and sustainability. Sena explains how successful fishermen develop an extraordinary awareness of weather, wildlife, water conditions, and seasonal patterns, creating a profound respect for the environment and the resources that sustain their way of life. The discussion also highlights resilience, entrepreneurship, and the courage to build something new while honoring tradition. Sena recounts the challenges of launching her direct-to-consumer salmon business, including early setbacks when their first shipments arrived thawed and seemingly threatened the future of the company. Rather than giving up, she embraced a problem-solving mindset and learned to view obstacles as opportunities for growth. She reflects on the importance of patience, continuous learning, and trusting the process rather than chasing overnight success. Throughout the conversation, Leslie and Sena connect these lessons to life in general, emphasizing that resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep moving forward are often the keys to creating a meaningful and fulfilling life. Sena's Info: https://www.senasea.com/ https://www.instagram.com/senasea_seafoods/?hl=en **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.

    46 min

  6. May 25

    Curiosity as Self-Care: Why Lifelong Learning Belongs in Your Wellness Routine

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Lauren Henkin joins Leslie Maloney for a thought-provoking conversation about curiosity, lifelong learning, and wellness. Lauren shares her unique background as both a professional artist and wellness industry leader, explaining how she noticed a missing piece in traditional wellness conversations: awe, wonder, creativity, and intellectual exploration. Inspired during the COVID era to rethink how people nourish themselves emotionally and mentally, she founded The Humane Space, an app designed to help people replace mindless scrolling with moments of curiosity, inspiration, and meaningful engagement. Together, Leslie and Lauren discuss how staying curious and continuing to learn after 50 can help reduce stress, combat loneliness, improve cognitive health, and bring a renewed sense of aliveness and purpose. The conversation also explores the impact of technology and social media on emotional well-being, and how intentional digital habits can dramatically shift our mood and mindset. Lauren explains how The Humane Space offers uplifting, bite-sized experiences centered around art, nature, science, creativity, and human connection—giving users a healthier alternative to the negativity and overstimulation often found online. Leslie reflects on how curiosity and wonder are deeply connected to joy, creativity, flow, and personal growth, especially in the second half of life. The episode ultimately encourages listeners to become more mindful about what they consume mentally and emotionally, and to create daily rituals that elevate their energy, spark inspiration, and help them feel more connected to themselves and the world around them. Lauren's Info: WEBSITE: https://www.thehumane.space/ CONTACT INFO:  henkin@thehumane.space Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thehumanespace Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehumane.space LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehumanespace YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thehumanespace **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.

    33 min

  7. May 18

    Finding Your Way Back to Fun in Midlife and Beyond

    In this solo episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney explores why so many women in midlife and beyond lose touch with fun, joy, and playfulness after decades of caregiving, achievement, and responsibility. She reflects on how women are often conditioned from a young age to prioritize productivity and other people’s needs over their own happiness, leaving many asking, “I don’t even know what’s fun for me anymore.” Drawing on research and personal insight, Leslie explains that fun is not frivolous — it’s essential for emotional well-being, creativity, connection, resilience, and even physical health. She challenges the cultural guilt many women feel around play and reminds listeners that joy should not have to be earned. Throughout the episode, Leslie offers practical and encouraging ways to reconnect with fun, including revisiting childhood passions, trying something spontaneous or silly, building more unstructured time into life, and giving yourself permission to experience joy without justification. She shares personal stories, including a spontaneous “no-plan weekend” with her husband that reminded her how alive and connected fun can make us feel. The episode ultimately becomes a powerful reminder that fun is not a luxury or distraction from life — it is part of fully living. Leslie closes with an uplifting challenge for listeners to do one thing “just for the fun of it” and embrace this stage of life with curiosity, presence, and moxie. Leslie's Information: https://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.

    22 min

  8. May 11

    Neurodiversity, Midlife Growth, and What Happens When You Finally Trust Yourself

    In this episode of Kimberly Frey’s conversation with me, we talked about what it really means to grow into leadership, purpose, and reinvention over time. Kim shared how a mentor she lovingly called her “adopted dad” helped her recognize her natural leadership gifts early on and challenged her to use them to positively impact others. From her years in education and leadership roles to eventually stepping into transformational coaching and consulting, Kim’s story is such a powerful reminder that the skills we build throughout our lives often prepare us for the next chapter long before we realize it. What stood out to me most was her honesty about growth, grief, self-belief, and learning to trust herself enough to take big leaps. We also had a meaningful conversation about midlife transitions, especially for women who begin asking deeper questions about fulfillment, identity, and what they truly want next. Kim now works with many neurodivergent adults and professionals who feel stuck, burned out, or ready for change, helping them better understand themselves and move forward with more clarity and confidence.  Kim's info: Website: www.kfreyconsulting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyfreycoaching?igsh=cDh3dm5obm9xYzRp&utm_source=qr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-frey-a9924479?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Book a free Mini-Coaching Session: https://tidycal.com/kimberlyfreyconsulting/strategysession **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.

    52 min
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5
out of 5
78 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Leslie Maloney
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Meaning and Moxie After 50
  • Show Website
    Meaning and Moxie After 50

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