Don't Be Caged By Your Age | Pro Aging Podcast

Ande Lyons
  • 4.7 (36)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Looking for inspiration and practical advice on aging well? Don't Be Caged By Your Age is a positive aging podcast featuring conversations with older adults who are thriving after 65. Explore healthy aging, longevity, retirement, purpose, wellness, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and the many ways people create meaningful lives as they grow older. 

  1. EP 100 Life's Too Short for Someday

    3d ago

    EP 100 Life's Too Short for Someday

    What are you waiting for? How many times have you told yourself you'll get around to it someday? Someday you'll pick up the guitar again. Someday you'll take that trip. Someday you'll start the business, write the book, learn the skill, or pursue the passion that's been quietly waiting in the wings. But what if life's too short for someday? My guest is musician Ray Toole, the creative force behind The Yellow Room, a musical community that brings together talented musicians from multiple generations to perform live, connect through music, and celebrate the joy of making music together. Ray's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reconnect with what you love. After spending more than 30 years working as a train conductor, Ray picked up his guitar again during COVID and began playing more seriously than ever before. And here's the remarkable part: he believes he's a better musician today at 65 than he was at 25. In our conversation, Ray takes me back to his early days growing up during the golden era of rock and shares how music became a lifelong passion. We talk about balancing creativity with careers and responsibilities, the joy of mentoring younger musicians, and the unexpected opportunities that can emerge later in life when you continue to follow what lights you up. One phrase came up again and again during our conversation: "Life's too short." In fact, Ray once hosted annual "Life's Too Short" parties! His philosophy is simple but powerful: don't wait for someday. Whether you've always loved music, have a passion you've put on the back burner, or simply need a reminder that it's never too late to create, connect, and contribute, I think you'll find inspiration in Ray's story. This Episode 🎸 How Ray fell in love with music and the electric guitar 🎸 Growing up in the incredible music culture of the 1970s 🎸 Keeping a lifelong passion alive while navigating careers and responsibilities 🎸 Why picking up the guitar again during COVID changed everything 🎸 The story behind The Yellow Room 🎸 The joy of bringing musicians from different generations together 🎸 Why Ray believes he's a better musician at 65 than he was at 25 🎸 What aging has taught Ray about creativity, performance, and purpose 🎸 Why mentorship matters at every age 🎸 Ray's advice for anyone thinking about returning to music—or pursuing a long-forgotten dream If there's something you've been wanting to do, create, learn, or experience, maybe this is your sign to stop waiting. Connect with Ray Toole and watch his fab music videos on these platforms: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok Songs mentioned during our delicious conversation: Desmond Dekker & The Aces – Israelites Led Zeppelin - Over the Hills and Far Away Keep On Smilin' - The Wet Willie Band Coca-Cola's Ad - I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    34 min
  2. EP 99 What the Open Road Taught Me About Life After 60

    Jun 11

    EP 99 What the Open Road Taught Me About Life After 60

    What can riding a motorcycle thousands of miles across North and South America teach us about thriving after 60? Quite a lot, according to Michael Yang. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Michael immigrated to California as a teenager and embraced the opportunities of the American Dream. He went on to earn degrees from UC Berkeley and Columbia University, build a successful Silicon Valley startup, and eventually sell his company during the dot-com era. But Michael's most surprising chapter began in his sixties. Rather than slowing down, he climbed onto a motorcycle and embarked on epic journeys across North and South America—from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, on the Arctic Ocean to Newfoundland, Canada, and through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. In this fascinating conversation, Michael shares what those miles taught him about resilience, perseverance, humility, gratitude, curiosity, and living with purpose at every age. Tap here to purchase Michael's book Coming Alive on the Ride: A Memoir of Motorcycle Travel, Self-Discovery, and Korean Heritage. Michael's Message: "Purpose and passion do not have expiration dates." If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to pursue a dream, start a new chapter, or embark on an adventure, Michael's story is a powerful reminder that some of life's most meaningful journeys begin later than expected. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    41 min
  3. EP 98 How to Be Sassy and Successful After 60

    Jun 4

    EP 98 How to Be Sassy and Successful After 60

    What if turning 60 wasn't the beginning of the end, but the beginning of your most confident, fulfilling, and exciting chapter yet? Too often, society tells women that life gets smaller as they age. My guest today is here to challenge that narrative and prove that life after 60 can be a time of reinvention, growth, purpose, and unapologetic ambition. Ali Miles-Jenkins is the founder of Sassy and Successful After 60, an award-winning transformational coach, TEDx speaker, trainer, and champion for women who are ready to stop playing small and start living boldly. After spending more than 30 years helping people unlock their potential, Ali now focuses on empowering women over 60 to embrace their experience, challenge age stereotypes, and create lives they truly love. In this inspiring conversation, Ali shares her own journey of reinvention, the mindset shifts that helped her embrace aging as an asset rather than a limitation, and practical ways women can step into their next chapter with confidence. We explore the impact of internalized ageism, the importance of supportive communities, and why it's never too late to pursue a dream, start something new, or redefine success on your own terms. Whether you're approaching 60, well beyond it, or simply looking for inspiration to embrace what's next, this episode is a powerful reminder that your age does not define your potential. Key Takeaway: The skills, wisdom, and experiences you've accumulated over a lifetime are not holding you back - they are the very foundation for creating an extraordinary next chapter. Connect with Ali here, and download The Reinvention Report here. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    42 min
  4. EP 97 It’s Never Too Late to Remember

    May 14

    EP 97 It’s Never Too Late to Remember

    What happens when you return to the memories you buried for more than half a century? In this moving episode of Don't Be Caged By Your Age, I chat with Mario Cartaya, acclaimed architect, Cuban exile, and debut author for a deeply human conversation about memory, identity, resilience, and reinvention. Born in Havana in 1951, Mario left Cuba at the age of eight when his family immigrated to the United States in search of freedom. Decades later, after building a celebrated architectural career and having his life’s work entered into the U.S. Congressional Record, Mario found himself drawn back to the memories of his childhood and ultimately back to Cuba itself. His memoir, Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints, explores that emotional journey of rediscovery. In this episode, we discuss: How childhood memories quietly shape our identityLeaving Cuba and adapting to life in AmericaThe moment Mario realized architecture was his callingBuilding spaces that serve humanity and communityBecoming an author later in lifeWhy it’s never too late to reconnect with your storyLearn more about Mario and purchase a copy of his book via his website here. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    40 min
  5. EP 96 Karen Salmansohn on Aging, Mortality and Creating a“To-Die-For” Life

    May 7

    EP 96 Karen Salmansohn on Aging, Mortality and Creating a“To-Die-For” Life

    What if thinking about the end of your life… could actually help you live more fully right now? In this powerful and uplifting conversation, I sit down with bestselling author Karen Salmansohn to explore how embracing aging - and even mortality - can become a catalyst for living with greater intention, courage, and joy. Karen shares the inspiration behind her bold new book, Your To-Die-For Life, and introduces us to the idea of Mortality Awareness - a mindset shift that helps you stop postponing what matters most. We also dive into her viral concept of connecting with your 90-year-old self (yes… Karen's 90-year-old self included fabulous red sneakers), and how that perspective can radically change the way you approach your life today. Karen beautifully reminds us: thinking about the end of our life isn’t about fear - it’s about focus. It’s about clarity. It’s about choosing to live more intentionally while we still have the gift of time. To learn more about Karen, tap here. To purchase her book, tap here. Tap here to read her 90-year-old self post on Substack. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    47 min
  6. EP 95 From Public Radio Legend to Award-Winning Podcast Producer

    Apr 30

    EP 95 From Public Radio Legend to Award-Winning Podcast Producer

    What happens when you’ve spent over 50 years at the top of your field… and then decide to start over? In this episode, I sit down with Steve Robinson, 79, whose extraordinary career in public radio spans decades of leadership, innovation, and storytelling. But what fascinates me most is what he’s doing now. After years as an executive producer and general manager, Steve chose to step back into the craft itself, learning digital audio production from scratch after a career that began in the days of cutting tape. Yes… from analog to digital. From expert to beginner. And he did it at 70. We talk about what it really takes to reinvent yourself later in life, how to stay curious in a rapidly changing world, and why being willing to learn something new might be the most powerful move you can make. Steve also shares the story behind his award-winning 13-hour documentary, “No Regrets: The Music and Spirit of Billie Holiday,” and how this chapter of his life is fueled by passion, creativity, and deep purpose. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that there is no expiration date on learning, creating, or contributing. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    46 min
  7. EP 94 Bringing Hula Hoop Joy at 68

    Apr 23

    EP 94 Bringing Hula Hoop Joy at 68

    What if a health scare at 58 led you to the most joyful decade of your life? That's exactly what happened to Sirenna Beyer.  After facing high blood pressure and alarming cholesterol levels, she picked up a hula hoop - and everything changed.  Now at 68, she's built a thriving business, a vibrant community she calls "Hoop Love," and a complete transformation of her health, confidence, and joy. In this episode, Sirenna shares the emotional journey behind her wake-up call, why fun and play are secret weapons for healthy aging, and how movement can reconnect you with yourself... and a whole new community. You'll hear: Why Sirenna's health scare became the best thing that ever happened to herHow she gave herself permission to be playful, visible, and joyful after 65Why she calls hooping "exercise in disguise" — and why that mattersThe surprising friendships and belonging that grew out of Hoop LoveHer message for anyone feeling stuck, invisible, or disconnected right nowConnect with Sirenna on social @KCHoopGirl and visit her website here to learn more about her Hoop Love work in the world.  If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    35 min
  8. EP 93 Aging by Design, Not Default with David Stewart

    Apr 16

    EP 93 Aging by Design, Not Default with David Stewart

    Your greatest limitation as you age might not be your body… but what you believe is possible. In this conversation, I sit down with David Stewart, founder of AGEIST and the visionary behind the Super Age movement, to explore what it really means to age by design, not default. We talk about how internalized ageism quietly shapes our lives: the risks we don’t take, the things we tell ourselves we “can’t” do, and how, over time, we may be lowering the bar on what we believe is possible. David shares a powerful perspective: our biggest limitation isn’t age, it’s our “poverty of imagination.” And that shows up in the everyday stories we tell ourselves: “I can’t learn that.” “That’s not for me.” “I’m too old for that.” But what if none of that is actually true? This conversation is an invitation to get curious… to challenge those beliefs… and to start expanding what you think is possible, one small action at a time. We also explore: ✨ How to recognize and interrupt internalized ageist thinking ✨ Why curiosity and exploration matter more than ever ✨ The role of strength, health, and self-advocacy as we age ✨ How technology and AI can support growth at any age ✨ Why small wins help rewire what you believe you’re capable of You are stronger, braver, and more capable than you think. And maybe… it’s time to raise the bar again. Tap here to visit Ageist and tap here to learn more about the Super Age Games. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. ☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging! For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help: ✨ Amplify inspiring voices ✨ Break age-related stereotypes ✨ Reach more listeners worldwide 💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡 Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

    45 min
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4.7
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Looking for inspiration and practical advice on aging well? Don't Be Caged By Your Age is a positive aging podcast featuring conversations with older adults who are thriving after 65. Explore healthy aging, longevity, retirement, purpose, wellness, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and the many ways people create meaningful lives as they grow older. 

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