Chip Conley: Midlife is also a Festival

You know those pithy BuzzFeed listicles about being too old for music festivals? Well, the idea is rather silly. Festivals are multi-generational celebrations where children with glittering faces play alongside elders who share their wisdom. The adventure of a festival is enriched by all ages, much like how our lives are enriched by various stages and transformations. Today's episode is special because we have a returning guest, my longtime friend and mentor, Chip Conley. I used to work with Chip on Fest300, an online guide to the world's best festivals. Chip's latest book, "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age," is the focus of our conversation. Chip believes midlife is not a crisis but a chrysalis—a time for transformation and growth.

In our conversation, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of midlife. We discuss the concept of "successism," where societal pressure to achieve can lead to misery, and how to break free from this mindset. Chip shares his insights on embracing imperfection, continuing to love and learn, and viewing midlife as a transformative period akin to the metamorphosis of a butterfly. We also touch on mortality, as Chip reflects on his own journey with cancer and how it has shaped his perspective on aging. Throughout our discussion, Chip reaffirms his love for festivals, emphasizing their importance in our increasingly virtual world. 

Chip's illustrious career includes founding the Joie de Vivre hotel chain, contributing to Airbnb's success, and creating the Modern Elder Academy, a wisdom school for midlife. His latest book, "Learning to Love Midlife," offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating this pivotal stage of life.

Links:

• Chip Conley: Home
• Chip Conley (@chipconley) • Instagram photos and videos
• Learning to Love Midlife
• MEA Wisdom

Timestamps:

• (11:00) Breaking the spell of successism 
• (14:00) Don’t compare yourself to Tim Ferris … or anyone for that matter
• (23:30) To love being raw and imperfect 
• (29:30) The transformation of the Phoenix and the Butterfly 
• (32:45) Life is a festival because it ends
• (42:30) The more virtual we get, the more ritual we need