"What's Next? Conversations with Boomers"

Barb Desmarais
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Biweekly

What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers is a candid, cross-generational dialogue exploring life after the milestones—career shifts, retirement, relationships, family, reinvention, and everything in between. Hosted by Barb Desmarais, a retired family & parenting coach and public speaker, each episode dives into honest stories and lived wisdom from Boomers navigating their “what’s next?” moments, offering insights that resonate across generations. Thoughtful, curious, and sometimes funny, the show bridges perspectives and sparks conversations about how we age, adapt, and continue to dream.

  1. 5h ago

    The Homecoming: Rekindling Love After Divorce with Tim Wade

    Send us Fan Mail We might hear about divorce more than ever these days, but how often do you hear about a couple who signed the papers and went their separate ways only to end up falling in love with each other all over again? Luckily for us, our good friend Tim Wade is back again to explain exactly how that happened to him! He's officially moved back in with his "former ex-wife" (who's also named Barb), and he shares all the details that led to the two of them being able to rekindle the spark that brought them together in the first place.  The love Tim has for her is so obvious, and hearing how joyful he sounds talking about their situation is an absolute treat. That doesn't mean their reunion was effortless though - it took a lot of work, kindness, patience and growth on both of their parts. As Tim says in this episode, "it was possible, but it wasn't inevitable." But after listening to their story, I think you'll agree it was definitely worth it. If you couldn't guess from how maturely he handled the whole situation, Tim is a relationship coach! He primarily works with men, but he's open to all comers. If you're in need of some of his wisdom, visit timwadecoaching.com. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

  2. Jul 16

    "Strangers", Prenup Prep and Grey Divorce with Lisa Zeiderman

    Send us Fan Mail Even if divorce is the right choice for a couple, it's never an easy one to make - especially at retirement age. Thankfully this week's guest, Lisa Zeiderman, is here  to make sure you're prepared for the worst even while hoping for the best. As Managing Partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, based in New York, Lisa is an award-winning matrimonial attorney, CFL, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. Together, she and Barb discuss the reasons everyone should have a prenup agreement no matter what. They also dive into the reasons behind the rising trend of "grey divorce," which refers to divorce between folks aged 55 and up. All of this comes together as they discuss the recent best-selling novel Strangers by Belle Burden, which tells her story as a recent divorcee. Lisa talks about what she did right, what she did wrong, and how you can avoid many of the same mistakes she made that led to such a rocky divorce. Lisa also serves on the Strategic Advisory Board at HelloPrenup, a service dedicated to helping young Americans put their prenup agreements together online simply and quickly. If you're in the US and engaged, definitely give it a look! If you'd like to get in contact with Lisa, you can send her an email at LZ@mzw-law.com. You can also drop her a follow @lisazeiderman on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

  3. Jul 2

    Designing Your Slice of Heaven with Leo Santana

    Send us Fan Mail Got a garden plot you're not sure what to do with? Or maybe a balcony that could use a little extra spice? Well good news! Leo Santana returns this week to help point you in the right direction. For those who haven't heard Leo on the show before, he's an interior designer and one of the founders of D'Novo Design. He shares a ton of information about making your garden and balcony space into a truly beautiful and comfortable place to be: picking plants that suit your location, finding decor that matches the vibe, and all the secrets of design that'll make your balcony the envy of both friends and onlookers. To see some of Leo's design work for yourself, you can follow him on Instagram here, or visit his website at dnovodesign.com. And if you're in need of a consultation, you can also send him an email at leosantanadesign@gmail.com. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

  4. Jun 18

    Why Essentrics is Essential with Susan B.

    Send us Fan Mail Time to get moving! This week's show sheds some light on a little-known (but positively excellent) exercise program called Essentrics, which might just hold the secrets to unlocking the body stiffness most of us experience as we age.  This week's guest is Susan, a former Essentrics coach who's been doing their workouts herself for many years. She describes the program as "One of the best things that's ever happened to me," and it's easy to see why: it's musical, whimsical and puts lots of emphasis on staying fit & limber without pushing yourself too hard. While most exercise plans focus on concentric movements like weight lifting, Essentrics instead prioritizes eccentric movements, which use the muscles fully extended and don't require weights of any kind. As Susan explains, they pack a ton of benefits for anyone with stiff joints or trouble moving around. Just look at Susan herself! At 76 years old, she can still get on her hands and knees to play with her baby grandson - and even stand back up with him in her arms. And the best news? You don't even need to leave your house! There are in-person Essentrics classes running all over the place, but if you can't find one near you, they also have a huge repository of classes available to stream online at essentrics.com. For any of our listeners in the USA, you can also find their workouts on PBS, under the name "Classical Stretch." Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

  5. Jun 3

    Summertime Sadness: Seasonal Depression in Warmer Weather with Jackie Adams

    Send us Fan Mail Did you know Seasonal Affective Disorder isn't limited to the winter months? Our good friend and resident mental health expert Jackie Adams returns this week to shed some light on why seasonal depression can sometimes rear its ugly head as the weather warms up. From longer days leading to less sleep, to the pressure of getting your "beach bod" ready (and the self-esteem trouble that comes from not having one), Jackie dives into all of the various factors that might lead to stress, anxiety and depression in the summer.  But of course, those factors only tell part of the story - which is why we also discuss the impact of social media and the draining effect of the 24-hour news cycle on our mental health. If you'd like to get in contact with Jackie for therapy or advice, you can send her an email at JackieLAdams@gmail.com, or visit her website for more information. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

  6. May 21

    Life Reflections at 73

    Send us Fan Mail In this rare and deeply personal solo episode, Barb reflects on her 73 years of life on Earth, and all the things she's learned and experienced in that time. She discusses love, heartbreak, connection, loss, sadness, joy, and most importantly, how all of those experiences have affected the person she is today.  She also shares some excellent tips for fellow Boomers on how she stays fit, happy, and healthy - both mentally and physically. (Hint: It helps to start as early as you can. Take notes, 20-somethings!) Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

  7. Apr 22

    Journaling: A Resurgence

    Send us Fan Mail Can journaling help reduce stress, process grief, spark self-discovery, and even become part of the legacy we leave behind? In this thoughtful conversation, Barb and returning guest Denise Torgerson explore the many forms journaling can take—from art and gratitude journals to guided prompts, and even letter writing. They share personal stories of using journals through major life transitions, including loss, dating, healing, and personal growth, while reflecting on why putting pen to paper can be such a powerful act of self-care. Whether you’ve kept journals for decades or have never written a word, this episode may inspire you to pick up a pen and begin. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

  8. Apr 8

    Breathe Better, Feel Better: How Conscious Breathing Calms Anxiety & Resets Your Nervous System

    Send us Fan Mail What if one of the most powerful ways to manage stress and anxiety was something you’re already doing all day—breathing? In this episode, Barb is joined again by somatic yin yoga instructor Annie Au to explore the power of conscious breathing. Together, they discuss why there’s no single “right” way to breathe, and how simply becoming aware of your breathing patterns can help you better understand what’s happening in your body. Annie explains how different types of breathing can either calm or energize you, depending on your state, and why long exhales are such an effective way to bring the body back to a relaxed, safe place. They also talk about the connection between breath and anxiety, how the nervous system responds to stress, and simple techniques you can use in everyday moments to reset and feel more in control. This conversation is a reminder that small, intentional changes—like how you breathe—can have a big impact on how you feel. Connect with Annie by visiting her website https://annieauyoga.com or find her on Instagram @annie_au_yoga. Find us on Instagram @convoswithboomerspod. If you like our show, make sure you follow us on your favourite Podcast player. Feel free to rate and review our show and tell us what you'd like to hear, and what other topics you'd like Barb to explore!

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What’s Next? Conversations with Boomers is a candid, cross-generational dialogue exploring life after the milestones—career shifts, retirement, relationships, family, reinvention, and everything in between. Hosted by Barb Desmarais, a retired family & parenting coach and public speaker, each episode dives into honest stories and lived wisdom from Boomers navigating their “what’s next?” moments, offering insights that resonate across generations. Thoughtful, curious, and sometimes funny, the show bridges perspectives and sparks conversations about how we age, adapt, and continue to dream.

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