Not Finished Yet

Mark Kennedy

Not Finished Yet is a documentary-style podcast sharing powerful stories of people who reinvented their lives, careers, and businesses after 40. Each episode explores the moment everything changed — the redundancy, the risk, the decision to walk away, or the realisation that life needed a new direction. Through honest conversations and storytelling, we uncover how ordinary people built extraordinary second chapters. This is not about starting from scratch. It’s about starting again with experience, Personal Growth, Reinventing yourself and career change You're Not Finished Yet

  1. 2d ago

    Belonging Starts When Pretending Ends

    Is it ever too late to start over?At 49, Tracy Smith stopped waiting for permission and booked a one-way ticket to Iceland. What began as a solo adventure became something much bigger—a journey through identity, belonging, courage and midlife reinvention.In this episode, Mark Kennedy talks with memoirist, solo traveler and storyteller Tracy Smith, author of The Purpose of Getting Lost, about what happens when the life you've built no longer feels like the life you're meant to be living.Tracy shares openly about divorce, loneliness, motherhood transitions, career burnout, major surgeries and the years she spent people-pleasing and trying to fit in. Her travels through Iceland, Norway, Ireland, the Middle East, South Africa and beyond eventually taught her an important lesson: sometimes you have to become lost before you can understand where you truly belong.We explore:• Why Tracy booked a one-way ticket to Iceland at 49• The difference between fitting in and truly belonging• People-pleasing and losing your sense of identity• Why solo travel can change how you see yourself• Starting again in your 40s, 50s and beyond• Fear, courage and learning to choose yourself• The small decisions that create major life changes• What strangers around the world taught Tracy about human connection• Why reinvention doesn't have an expiry date• The story behind The Purpose of Getting LostThis isn't simply a conversation about travel. It's about what happens when you stop living the life other people expect and start asking what you actually want from the years ahead.If you've ever wondered, "Is it too late for me to change?", this episode is for you.Featuring: Tracy SmithBook: The Purpose of Getting LostHost: Mark Kennedy#MidlifeReinvention #StartingOver #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #SoloTravel #Midlife #Reinvention #LifeAfter50 #FindingYourself #PeoplePleasing #Belonging #CareerChange #Podcast #ThePurposeOfGettingLost

  2. Aug 10

    The Dyslexia Breakthrough Parents Need to Hear

    In this powerful episode of Not Finished Yet, host Mark Kennedy speaks with Russell Van Brocklen — widely known as The Dyslexia Professor — about helping dyslexic children move from frustration, shame, and self-doubt toward confidence, learning, and long-term success.Russell explains why so many intelligent children struggle in traditional classrooms, why generic learning methods often fail dyslexic learners, and how structured literacy and multisensory learning can completely change a child’s future.This conversation explores the emotional impact of dyslexia on both children and parents, the damage caused by the “wait and see” approach, and why dyslexic learners are often “specialists, not generalists” with incredible creativity, passion, and potential.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, educator, or an adult who struggled with reading growing up, this episode offers practical advice, reassurance, and hope.Topics covered include:• Understanding dyslexia properly• Why confidence matters as much as academics• Structured literacy explained simply• Multisensory learning techniques• Helping children rebuild self-belief• The hidden strengths of dyslexic thinkers• Parenting strategies that genuinely help• Why dyslexic children are often highly creative problem-solversIf this episode resonates with you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone who may need to hear this conversation.#Dyslexia #Parenting #Education #LearningDisabilities #SpecialEducation #DyslexicThinking #ReadingStruggles #Confidence #SelfBelief #Neurodiversity #StructuredLiteracy #TeacherTips #ParentingPodcast #NotFinishedYetPodcast #MarkKennedy

  3. Jul 27

    The Truth About Midlife Weight Gain & Metabolism Lorie Eber

    Why does your body suddenly feel different in midlife… even when your habits haven’t changed?In this episode of Not Finished Yet, I sit down with metabolic health and midlife wellness educator Lorie Eber for an honest, evidence-based conversation about why health, energy and weight often change during midlife — especially for women — and what actually helps.This is not another conversation about fad diets, punishment or unrealistic wellness advice.Lorie helps women understand the real connection between:• Stress• Sleep• Hormones• Metabolism• Recovery• Daily habits• Menopause and midlife physiologyAnd perhaps most importantly:why “eat less and exercise more” often stops working in midlife.In this episode we explore:• Why metabolism feels different in midlife• Menopause and hormonal changes• The hidden impact of stress and poor sleep• Why women blame themselves unnecessarily• Why restrictive dieting often backfires• How chronic stress affects cravings and energy• Sustainable health habits for busy women• Why consistency matters more than intensity• Rebuilding trust with your body• Midlife as a reinvention, not a declineLorie also shares:• The biggest myths keeping women stuck• What actually supports metabolic health• How to improve energy without extremes• Why recovery matters more than people realise• The psychological side of midlife health changes• Practical daily habits women can realistically sustainThis episode is for:✅ Women navigating midlife or menopause✅ Anyone struggling with energy or weight changes✅ People overwhelmed by conflicting health advice✅ Women tired of restrictive dieting✅ Anyone wanting a more realistic approach to healthIf you’ve ever thought:“Why doesn’t my body respond the way it used to?”or“Why am I doing everything right and still feeling stuck?”— this conversation will help you make sense of it.🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCASTNot Finished Yet is a new podcast exploring reinvention, resilience, health, identity and life transitions. Through honest conversations with guests from different backgrounds, we unpack what happens when life changes — and how people adapt, rebuild and move forward with purpose. This is not my first podcast — but this one is the most personal.📘 About Lorie Eber https://lorieeberwellnesscoaching.com/ Lorie Eber is a metabolic health and midlife wellness educator with over a decade of experience helping women understand how stress, sleep, hormones and daily habits affect metabolism, energy and wellbeing as they age. Her work focuses on practical, evidence-based guidance that helps women improve health sustainably without extremes or diet culture.👇 FOLLOW / LISTEN / SUBSCRIBEIf you enjoyed the episode:👍 Like the video💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway📩 Share with someone navigating midlife health changes🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about reinvention, wellbeing and purpose#MidlifeHealth #Menopause #Metabolism #WomensHealth #LorieEber #Wellness #HealthyAging #Stress #Sleep #Hormones #Midlife #HealthPodcast #PersonalGrowth #SelfCare #Nutrition #Energy #Podcast #MindBodyHealth #NotFinishedYet #MetabolicHealth

  4. Jul 20

    Redundancy to Reinvention with Jane Ferre

    What happens when your career suddenly stops feeling secure?In this episode of Not Finished Yet, I sit down with career coach and former senior HR leader Jane Ferré for a practical and deeply honest conversation about redundancy, career reinvention, confidence and navigating today’s job market.Jane’s story is one many professionals will relate to.After building a successful 20+ year career in senior HR roles — including positions at British Airways and LEON Restaurants — she experienced redundancy twice in one year. One was her choice. One wasn’t.That experience forced a huge question:“What now?”Instead of staying stuck, Jane rebuilt her career with purpose and now helps professionals secure their dream role, in their dream company, with a dream package — often in less than six months.This episode is packed with real-world insight for anyone feeling uncertain, overlooked or stuck in their career.We discuss:• Redundancy and career disruption• Reinvention after job loss• Confidence and identity in work• The emotional impact of redundancy• Career coaching and personal branding• CVs that actually stand out• LinkedIn strategy for job seekers• Why candidates get ghosted• Interview preparation• The first 90 days in a new roleJane also shares:• What hiring managers are really looking for• The biggest mistakes job seekers make• Why so many professionals feel invisible right now• How to approach a career change strategically• What candidates should stop doing immediately• Why redundancy can become a turning point instead of an endingThis is a conversation for:✅ Professionals facing redundancy✅ Mid-career job seekers✅ Anyone feeling stuck in their career✅ People considering a career change✅ Leaders navigating uncertainty✅ Anyone trying to rebuild confidence after setbacksIf you’ve ever thought:“Have I fallen behind?”or“Why does the job market feel impossible right now?”— this episode will genuinely help.🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCASTNot Finished Yet is a new podcast exploring reinvention, career change, resilience, purpose and life transitions. Through honest conversations with guests from different backgrounds, we explore what happens when life disrupts the path we expected — and how people rebuild stronger. This is not my first podcast — but this one is the most personal.📘 About Jane Ferré https://janeferre.com/ Jane Ferré is a career coach and former senior HR leader with over 20 years’ experience, including roles at British Airways and LEON Restaurants. After experiencing redundancy twice in one year, Jane reinvented her career and now helps professionals secure their next role with clarity, confidence and strategy. She specialises in CVs, LinkedIn, interview preparation and career reinvention.👇 FOLLOW / LISTEN / SUBSCRIBEIf you enjoyed the episode:👍 Like the video💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway📩 Share with someone navigating career uncertainty🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about reinvention and resilience#CareerChange #Redundancy #JobSearch #LinkedIn #CareerCoaching #InterviewTips #CVTips #JaneFerre #PersonalGrowth #Reinvention #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #Podcast #JobHunting #MidlifeCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #Confidence #NotFinishedYet #CareerAdvice #WorkLife

  5. Jul 13

    From British Comedy to Fantasy Worlds with Richard Sparks

    What if your most creative chapter hasn’t happened yet?In this episode of Not Finished Yet, I sit down with writer Richard Sparks for a fascinating conversation about creativity, reinvention, gaming, storytelling and discovering entirely new passions later in life.Richard’s career journey is anything but ordinary.He began as a comedy writer for iconic British shows including Not the Nine O’Clock News and The Secret Policeman’s Ball, working alongside legends like Rowan Atkinson and John Cleese.Years later, after discovering gaming later in life, his creativity took an unexpected new direction — inspiring the New Rock fantasy series and opening up a completely different world of storytelling.This episode is about:• Reinvention later in life• Creativity and second acts• Gaming and imagination• Fantasy writing and storytelling• Curiosity as a life skill• Transferable creative skills• Comedy writing and creative pressure• Building new worlds through storytelling• Why it’s never too late to start something newRichard also shares:• What working with comedy legends taught him• How gaming reshaped the way he thinks creatively• Why curiosity keeps people mentally sharp• The similarities between comedy, fantasy and gaming• Lessons about resilience, creativity and taking risks• Why embracing new interests later in life can completely change your futureThis is a conversation for:✅ Writers and creatives✅ Gamers and fantasy fans✅ Anyone considering a second act✅ People feeling creatively stuck✅ Anyone curious about reinvention later in lifeIf you’ve ever thought:“Am I too old to start something new?”— this episode is proof that you are not.🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCASTNot Finished Yet is a new podcast exploring reinvention, creativity, purpose and life transitions. Through honest conversations with guests from different backgrounds, we explore what happens when people stay curious enough to keep evolving. This is not my first podcast — but this one is the most personal.📘 About Richard SparksRichard Sparks is an English-born writer based in Los Angeles and the author of the New Rock fantasy series, including New Rock New Rules. Earlier in his career, he wrote comedy for iconic British productions such as Not the Nine O’Clock News and The Secret Policeman’s Ball, collaborating with Rowan Atkinson and John Cleese. His work now blends gaming-inspired storytelling, creativity and fantasy world-building.👇 FOLLOW / LISTEN / SUBSCRIBEIf you enjoyed the episode:👍 Like the video💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway📩 Share with someone needing inspiration to start again🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about reinvention and creativity#RichardSparks #Creativity #Gaming #Fantasy #Reinvention #Storytelling #Writers #PersonalGrowth #SecondAct #GamingCommunity #FantasyBooks #ComedyWriting #Podcast #SelfDevelopment #NewRock #FantasyAuthor #LifeChange #CreativeJourney #NotFinishedYet #LevelUp

  6. Jul 6

    Reinventing Life’s Plan , Find Your X Factor with Paul Comfort

    In this episode of Not Finished Yet, we sit down with Paul Comfort to explore what it really means to find your purpose in a world that’s constantly changing. This is a new podcast focused on reinvention, career change, and real-life stories of people navigating major transitions—and while it’s new, it’s not our first time behind the mic.Paul is the author of Find Your X Factor: Follow Your Personal Treasure Map to Purpose, and in this conversation, he shares how to uncover your unique strengths, rediscover direction, and align your life with what truly matters.With so many people today facing career shifts due to AI, lack of opportunity, and changing industries, this episode is a powerful reminder that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.In this episode, we cover:• How to find your “X Factor” and unlock your potential • Why purpose matters more than ever in today’s world • Navigating career change and uncertainty • Turning experience into opportunity • Building a life that aligns with who you really are If you’re feeling stuck, at a crossroads, or ready for your next chapter—this one’s for you.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on:career change, reinvention, purpose, leadership, entrepreneurship, mindset, and personal growth. 📘 Connect with Paul Comfort: https://www.findyourxfactor.ai________________________________________#FindYourXFactor #CareerChange #Reinvention #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #NotFinishedYet #LifeChange #AIImpact #FutureOfWorkPaul Comfort's Website

  7. Jun 29

    From Silicon Valley to TikTok Shop

    What do you do when you see your industry changing before everyone else does?In this episode of Not Finished Yet, I sit down with former Silicon Valley product designer Paul Paulino for a fascinating conversation about career reinvention, adapting before layoffs hit, and building a completely new chapter later in life.After decades working in tech with startups and major companies like Cisco, Paul saw the warning signs coming. But instead of waiting for disruption to happen to him, he prepared for it.In his 50s, he reinvented himself as a successful UGC and TikTok Shop creator — entering a world dominated by younger creators and proving that experience, strategy and consistency still matter.This is not a conversation about hype.It’s about intentional reinvention.In this episode we discuss:• Career change later in life• Preparing for layoffs before they happen• Reinvention in your 50s• Silicon Valley and the changing tech industry• The creator economy and TikTok Shop• UGC (User Generated Content)• Staying relevant in a fast-changing world• Why Gen X has an advantage online• Translating corporate skills into creator success• Building momentum from scratchPaul also shares:• The warning signs he noticed before layoffs hit tech• What corporate skills helped most in the creator economy• The mistakes he made early during reinvention• How to stay competitive without chasing trends• Why patience and strategy beat panic and hype• What success means to him now compared to Silicon ValleyThis episode is for:✅ Professionals facing uncertainty✅ People thinking about a career pivot✅ Anyone worried about layoffs or AI disruption✅ Gen X professionals feeling stuck✅ Creators and entrepreneurs building a second chapterIf you’ve ever wondered:“Am I too late to reinvent myself?”— this conversation will change your perspective.🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCASTNot Finished Yet is a new podcast exploring reinvention, identity, career change, purpose and life transitions. Through honest conversations with guests from different backgrounds, we unpack what happens when people decide they are not done growing, evolving or starting again. This is not my first podcast — but this one is the most personal.📘 About Paul PaulinoPaul Paulino is a former Silicon Valley product designer who reinvented himself in his 50s as a successful UGC and TikTok Shop creator. After years working in tech with startups and major corporations, Paul now helps people understand how to pivot careers with intention, stay relevant later in life, and build momentum in the modern creator economy. https://paulinothecreator.com/ 👇 FOLLOW / LISTEN / SUBSCRIBEIf you enjoyed the episode:👍 Like the video💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway📩 Share with someone considering a career pivot🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about reinvention and purpose#CareerChange #Reinvention #TikTokShop #CreatorEconomy #UGC #SiliconValley #PaulPaulino #PersonalGrowth #Layoffs #GenX #Entrepreneurship #ContentCreator #CareerPivot #SelfDevelopment #AI #Podcast #Purpose #SecondCareer #NotFinishedYet #MidlifeCareerChange

About

Not Finished Yet is a documentary-style podcast sharing powerful stories of people who reinvented their lives, careers, and businesses after 40. Each episode explores the moment everything changed — the redundancy, the risk, the decision to walk away, or the realisation that life needed a new direction. Through honest conversations and storytelling, we uncover how ordinary people built extraordinary second chapters. This is not about starting from scratch. It’s about starting again with experience, Personal Growth, Reinventing yourself and career change You're Not Finished Yet