The Midlife Chrysalis

Chip Conley

The Midlife Chrysalis is a one-hour podcast hosted by Chip Conley, bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife and founder of MEA (Modern Elder Academy). Chip and his high-profile guests – including Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, Elizabeth Gilbert, Michael Franti, and more – dive into raw, vulnerable conversations about the profound transitions they’ve experienced in midlife. Listeners get a rare look at how even the most successful individuals have to navigate life’s pivotal changes – and gain practical wisdom they can apply in their own lives for a more fulfilling and purposeful next chapter.

  1. 4 天前

    From Near Death to Super Age: David Stewart’s Bold Reboot

    What happens when a world-famous photographer nearly loses everything — and turns it into a movement redefining aging? In this powerful conversation, David Stewart shares his journey from shooting Vogue covers and working with Andy Warhol’s circle, to battling a life-threatening autoimmune disease that forced him to rethink everything. Out of crisis came transformation — and the creation of Ageist and Super Age, two platforms challenging stereotypes about aging and proving that purpose, health, and vitality don’t fade with time. Watch now to discover how to stay healthier, live longer, and embrace your true greatness. Timestamps: 00:00 Catching up: Manhattan, travel, and life during Covid 01:36 Childhood, school struggles, and proving people wrong 04:07 Studying engineering, switching to political science, and discovering photography 06:14 Declaring himself a photographer, early Vogue ad, and move to Paris 07:01 Life in New York: Andy Warhol’s scene, magazine covers, and big clients 08:02 Health crisis, autoimmune disease, and a year in hospital 10:00 Turning point: removing his spleen and changing lifestyle 11:01 The birth of Ageist: challenging age stereotypes in media and advertising 14:50 White-light moment with AT&T campaign and marketing blind spots 18:50 Age dysmorphia, beauty industry challenges, and why older audiences are complex 21:27 From Ageist to Super Age: growth, readership, and global impact 25:27 Health transformation and connecting mindset with the body 30:00 Teaching moments: embodied wisdom, confidence, and breaking limits 33:55 What Super Age does: informing, inspiring, and offering trusted tools 35:10 Longevity pillars: sleep, fitness, stress management, and community 37:31 Why grip strength and VO₂ max matter for longevity 41:42 Smart habits vs. fads: avoiding “dumb stuff” and focusing on basics 44:39 Managing stress, hormetic adaptation, and resilience 45:00 Why men chase longevity more than women 46:04 Thoughts on Brian Johnson and longevity biohacking 47:50 The future of health: AI-driven personalized medicine 51:28 Wearables: when they help vs. when they hurt 53:12 Passing wisdom to the next generation: embracing greatness and usefulness 56:15 Final reflections: passion, usefulness, and living as a contender Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #Longevity #HealthyAging #RedefiningAging #SuperAge #Ageist #MidlifeReinvention #MindsetMatters #AgingWell #LifeAfterCrisis #HealthTransformation #Vitality #BreakingAgingStereotypes #AgingStrong #LongevityLifestyle #AgelessLiving

    1 小時
  2. 9月17日

    How to Rewrite Your Story After a Life Quake with Bruce Feiler

    What if the most painful disruptions in life—illness, job loss, divorce, or even an empty nest, were actually the keys to growth? Bestselling author Bruce Feiler shares how “life quakes” shake up our stories and push us to rewrite them. From his own battle with cancer and family upheaval to studying hundreds of life transitions, Bruce reveals why resilience is a skill, not a trait, and how rituals, creativity, and storytelling can turn crisis into renewal. Dive into his powerful seven tools for navigating transitions, learn why the myth of the midlife crisis is outdated, and how to finally become the hero of your own story. ✨ Tune in to discover how to transform life’s hardest moments into your greatest turning points. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introduction to Bruce Feiler 02:24 Background, early life & first book 07:09 Life quakes and losing control of your story 12:15 Knowing when a transition is complete 18:11 The three stages of transition 24:40 Seven tools for navigating transitions 30:31 Acceptance and rituals to mark change 35:18 The ritual renaissance & new book preview 41:28 Routine vs. ritual explained 45:09 Shedding habits & finding creativity 49:19 Updating your story & unveiling your new self 51:19 The debate: midlife vs. transitions at all ages 58:51 Wisdom bumper sticker 01:04:22 Closing reflections & gratitude Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #BruceFeiler #LifeQuakes #MidlifeTransitions #ReinventYourself #LifeIsInTheTransitions, #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingCrisis #FindingMeaning #ResilienceInMidlife #RewriteYourStory #RitualsAndRenewal #MidlifeReinvention #SelfDiscoveryJourney #ThrivingThroughChange #BeTheHeroOfYourStory

    1 小時 9 分鐘
  3. 9月10日

    Elizabeth Gilbert’s Untold Story of Love and Addiction

    How do you survive when the person you can’t live without begins to destroy you? In this powerful episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Elizabeth Gilbert joins Chip Conley to share the raw story behind her new memoir, All the Way to the River. She opens up about walking alongside her partner through addiction and relapse, confronting her own patterns of codependency, and finding healing through recovery and surrender. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at love, loss, and what it really takes to stand on your own two feet. Tune in now to hear Elizabeth Gilbert as you’ve never heard her before. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introduction to Elizabeth Gilbert 03:06 All the Way to the River book 06:06 Why it took 7 years to write 07:21 A forensic look at repeating patterns 10:36 Love vs. addiction in relationships 13:49 How Liz met Raya & their evolving bond 19:55 Confessing love during Raya’s illness 25:31 Grief, loss, and missing her friend 27:18 Writing in solitude & surrendering to truth 35:00 Surrender, recovery, and true powerlessness 41:21 Dark thoughts & God’s voice 45:15 What sex & love addiction means for Liz 51:36 12-step practices & six years of abstinence 54:35 Reflections on MEA and retreat power 58:22 Wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #MidlifeChrysalis #ElizabethGilbert #AllTheWayToTheRiver #GriefJourney #AddictionRecovery #LoveAndLoss #Codependency #HealingFromTrauma #12StepRecovery #SexAndLoveAddiction #SpiritualGrowth #MemoirWriting #MidlifeWisdom #EmotionalSobriety #LifeLessons

    1 小時 2 分鐘
  4. 9月3日

    From Punk Rock Pastor to Spiritual Outlaw: Rob Bell’s Midlife Reinvention

    What happens when one of America’s most celebrated pastors dares to question everything? In this unfiltered conversation, Rob Bell, once dubbed the “punk rock pastor” and author of the explosive bestseller Love Wins, opens up about the controversy that made him Christianity’s most talked-about heretic, why he walked away from his megachurch at the height of fame, and how midlife pushed him to reinvent himself. From faith and psychedelics to wisdom traditions, AI, and the art of living an unpigeonholable life, Rob’s journey is as provocative as it is inspiring. Whether you see him as a rebel, visionary, or outlaw, one thing’s clear: you won’t walk away from this episode thinking the same. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Meet Rob Bell 02:08 Following a Calling & Evolving 05:16 Early Life & First Sermons 11:04 Starting Mars Hill Church 13:02 Performance Art Preaching 15:01 Controversy & Pushback 16:44 Rise to Time’s 100 Most Influential People 21:10 Leaving the Church & Midlife Transition 26:25 Reinventing in His 40s 29:58 Evolving Faith & Moving Beyond Doctrine 31:46 The Greatest Unlearning 35:00 Surfing, painting & daily rituals 38:15 Reconnecting with Spirituality 40:25 On Psychedelics & Temples 44:57 From Knowledge to Wisdom 51:16 Redefining Intelligence 54:56 Rob’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker 57:47 Closing Reflections Chip shares key takeaways on creativity, freedom, and living beyond expectations. Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #RobBell #MidlifeChrysalis #PunkRockPastor #LoveWins #SpiritualJourney #MidlifeTransitions #FindingPurpose #WisdomTraditions #SpiritualAwakening #FaithAndCreativity #LeavingReligion #SpiritualGrowth #Unpigeonholable #MidlifeSpirituality #CareerEvolution

    1 小時 2 分鐘
  5. 8月27日

    How Intergenerational Living Creates Purpose & Joy | Marc Freedman

    What if aging wasn’t about slowing down—but about leveling up? In this powerful conversation, Marc Freedman, founder of Encore.org (now CoGenerate), unpacks the surprising history of retirement, why communities like Sun City reshaped how we see aging, and how we can flip the script on what it means to grow older. From encore careers to intergenerational mentorship, Marc shows why midlife is no dead end—it’s a launchpad for purpose, impact, and connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive after 50, find meaning in your “second act,” or simply stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode will change how you see the road ahead. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:39 Marc Freedman as Chip’s “modern elder” 02:46 How aging became feared, not revered 04:26 Why older people are no longer revered 07:30 Rise of retirement communities 13:14 Why people question retirement as a goal 15:56 Marc’s personal view on retirement 18:36 The origins & evolution of CoGenerate 24:10 Why intergenerational connection matters 27:46 What CoGenerate does to help 31:52 Big policy ideas for the future 37:31 Tips for those nearing retirement 44:15 Upcoming workshop with Chip 48:47 Wisdom bumper sticker 50:51 How does Marc measure success 54:00 Wrapping up Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #MarcFreedman #EncoreCareers #ModernElder #MidlifeReinvention #FindingPurpose #LifeAfterRetirement #GenerationalCollaboration #CrossGenerational #AgingWell #WisdomAtWork #EncoreOrg #CoGenerate #ModernElderAcademy #SecondActCareers #PurposeDrivenLife

    58 分鐘
  6. 8月20日

    Aging Boldly and Living on Your Own Terms with Karen Walrond

    Author, speaker, and “Radiant Rebel” Karen Walrond joins Chip Conley for a warm, inspiring conversation on how to age with joy, live on your own terms, and keep your spark alive. From growing up between Trinidad and the U.S., to leaving engineering and law for a creative life, Karen’s story is full of bold choices and unexpected turns. She shares cultural insights on aging, how to break free from the “success script,” and the seven playful experiments from her new book In Defense of Dabbling that prove it’s never too late to try something new. Packed with heart, humor, and practical wisdom, this episode will leave you smiling and inspired to chase your own adventures. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:45 Introduction to Karen Walrond 01:58 Growing up & career journey 06:50 Midlife shift toward writing and creative work 11:38 Cultural perspectives on aging in Trinidad vs. the U.S. 16:55 Defining the “Radiant Rebellion” 19:14 Resisting societal scripts 23:06 Aging in non-white cultures 31:43 Collaboration with Brené Brown 36:12 Introducing In Defense of Dabbling 40:03 The 7 attributes of dabbling 44:08 Why trying new things matters as we age 50:42 Karen’s experience teaching at MEA workshops 53:11 Karen’s wisdom bumper sticker 57:10 Chips’s closing reflections on joy, culture, and lifelong learning Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #AgingBoldly #MidlifeReinvention #RadiantRebellion #LifeOnYourOwnTerms #NeverTooLate #MidlifeTransformation #CuriosityAndPlay #JoyfulAging #BreakingFree #LiveFully #MidlifeMotivation #RedefiningSuccess #KeepYourSparkAlive #IntentionalLiving #TrySomethingNew

    1 小時 1 分鐘
4.9
(滿分 5 顆星)
35 則評分

簡介

The Midlife Chrysalis is a one-hour podcast hosted by Chip Conley, bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife and founder of MEA (Modern Elder Academy). Chip and his high-profile guests – including Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, Elizabeth Gilbert, Michael Franti, and more – dive into raw, vulnerable conversations about the profound transitions they’ve experienced in midlife. Listeners get a rare look at how even the most successful individuals have to navigate life’s pivotal changes – and gain practical wisdom they can apply in their own lives for a more fulfilling and purposeful next chapter.

你可能也會喜歡