Life Hack to Look Younger: "There's a surefire way to look younger. Tell people to step back." - Diane Dean-EppsI have the pleasure of chatting with Diane Dean-Epps — an author, humorist, and, as she puts it, the queen of multiple jobs that make her a minimum amount of money. Diane just released a new book called Bangs and Botox: My Aging Journey Into, Through and Beyond Denial, Fillers, and Human Preservatives, and together, we’re diving into the ups and downs (and laughs!) of accepting aging. During our conversation, Diane opens up about her personal journey: how she’s learned to face her changing reflection, why she swears by bangs as an anti-aging “arsenal,” and her admittedly hilarious adventures with fillers and Botox. We also have an honest talk about the emotional side of growing older—those unsolicited public comments, the shift in how others view us, and, ultimately, the power and joy that come from embracing who we truly are, even if we’re not everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re wrestling with the idea of aging, wondering how to own your story, or just need a hearty laugh and a dose of encouragement, this is an episode for you. So join me as we explore why laughter is such good medicine, and how accepting ourselves—wrinkles, quirks, and all—can be the most liberating part of growing older. Key Moments 00:00 "Aging Acceptance Journey" 05:29 Embracing Aging with Humor 07:30 "Embracing Authenticity Over Necessity" 12:45 No Judging Cosmetic Choices 14:24 "Realizing Aging Through Others' Remarks" 19:14 "From Humorous Mysteries to History" 22:59 "Inner Reflections on Happiness" 23:26 "Saying 'No' and Pursuing Dreams" Three key takeaways: Humor is a powerful tool for acceptance: Diane reminds us that laughter is truly good medicine when it comes to embracing the changes that come with getting older. Self-deprecating humor and a lighthearted perspective can make the journey much more enjoyable.Own your journey—on your own terms: Whether it’s choosing “bangs and Botox” or simply saying “no” more often, Diane encourages us all to make choices that support our own happiness—regardless of social pressures or others’ opinions.Connection over comparison: Every story matters. Diane's message is clear: we’re all aging from the moment we stop producing collagen (yikes, age 21!)—so let’s uplift each other, share our experiences, and avoid judgment, whether our choices are about wellness, appearance, or anything else. Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode: Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual...