Older Women & Friends: Stories of Aging Well

Jane Leder
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"Older Women & Friends: Stories of Aging Well" with Jane Leder is a podcast celebrating the wisdom, resilience, and real-life experiences of older women navigating life after 50.  Award-winning author Jane Leder and her guests explore the joys and challenges of aging, covering topics like longevity, healthspan, identity, purpose, and meaningful relationships. Through powerful storytelling and honest conversations, this podcast challenges age-related stereotypes, redefines what it means to grow older, and highlights the valuable contributions older women continue to make. If you're interested in aging well, personal growth, and living with purpose in the second phase of life, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and connection."

  1. 1d ago

    From Geology Professor to Global Explorer: Dr. Tamie Jovanelly on Reinvention, Adventure, & Purpose

    In this episode of Older Women & Friends, I welcome geologist, author, educator, entrepreneur, and world traveler Dr. Tamie Jovanelly for a fascinating conversation about reinvention, purpose, adventure, and creating a life without limits.   After nearly two decades as a successful geology professor, internationally funded researcher, and Fulbright scholar, Tamie made the courageous decision to leave her tenured academic career and pursue a lifelong dream. Together with her husband, she built a custom camper van, launched Adventure Geology Tours, and began exploring the world while helping others discover Earth's most extraordinary landscapes through geology, travel, and education.   Tamie shares how solo travel helped build confidence, resilience, independence, and self-trust long before she married. She reflects on why stepping outside your comfort zone can transform your perspective, how meaningful travel creates lifelong friendships, and why curiosity is one of the greatest gifts we can cultivate at any age.   The conversation explores reinvention after 50, purpose in life, women embracing new adventures, lifelong learning, geological tourism, volcanoes, Iceland, global travel, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the value of remaining open to change rather than settling into routine. Tamie also explains how travel reveals our shared humanity, reminding us that people everywhere seek the same things: community, safety, kindness, and connection.   She also offers practical travel advice for older women, discusses how to build confidence through independent travel, and explains why meaningful experiences often matter far more than comfortable routines.   Whether you're considering retirement, dreaming about traveling the world, searching for a new purpose, or simply wondering if it's too late to reinvent your life, this conversation offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and proof that your most exciting chapter may still be ahead. https://us.amazon.com/Volcanoes-What-Everyone-Needs-Know%C2%AE-ebook/dp/B0GX2Y9SV9?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.52c3Wn8KEJ4iMP4grSLohcVx6K9TuIpgMTAbO1CHw6M.QGyOCKdUT51ihb5aH7iYaTsxFyUC2o1PWfb0UVVKrMo&dib_tag=AUTHOR https://us.amazon.com/Iceland-Tectonics-Volcanics-Geophysical-Monograph-ebook/dp/B086RFF3J2?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.52c3Wn8KEJ4iMP4grSLohcVx6K9TuIpgMTAbO1CHw6M.QGyOCKdUT51ihb5aH7iYaTsxFyUC2o1PWfb0UVVKrMo&dib_tag=AUTHOR

    From Geology Professor to Global Explorer: Dr. Tamie Jovanelly on Reinvention, Adventure, & Purpose

  2. Aug 6

    Reinvention & Creativity: Judy Norton on Life Beyond The Waltons

    In this inspiring episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder sits down with actress, writer, producer, director, singer, and lifelong creative Judy Norton, best known for portraying Mary Ellen Walton on the iconic television series The Waltons. Together, they explore how creativity, resilience, and a willingness to reinvent yourself can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life at every age. Judy reflects on her remarkable journey from child actor to accomplished storyteller, sharing the lessons she learned about confidence, self-worth, and staying grounded while growing up in Hollywood. She speaks candidly about overcoming self-doubt, navigating criticism, protecting her mental well-being, and discovering the inner strength needed to build a successful life beyond childhood fame. Their conversation also explores aging well, ageism in the entertainment industry, women over 50, healthy aging, personal growth, reinvention, and the importance of embracing change instead of fearing it. Judy explains why lifelong learning, staying physically active, exercising your mind, and remaining open to new opportunities are essential for creating a vibrant life filled with purpose and possibility. She also shares how directing, writing, performing on stage, producing creative projects, building a thriving YouTube community, and competing in equestrian events have allowed her to continue evolving while inspiring others to pursue their passions with confidence, regardless of age. Whether you're navigating life after 60, reinventing your career, overcoming ageism, rebuilding confidence, or simply looking for motivation to embrace your next chapter, this conversation offers practical wisdom, honest encouragement, and timeless inspiration for living life with curiosity, creativity, and purpose. https://judynorton.com/ https://www.facebook.com/judynortonproductions/ @officialjudynorton

    Reinvention & Creativity: Judy Norton on Life Beyond The Waltons

  3. Jul 25

    Good Grief w/ Jane Leder

    The older we get, the more loss and grief we experience. For me, my brother's death by suicide when I was 33 and he was 30 turned my life upside down. I turned to writing a book to help me work through my grief. Dead Serious: A Book For Teenagers About Teen Suicide tells the stories of parents who lost a child to suicide, teens who attempted suicide, and friends of teens who took their own lives. I am dedicating today, my 81st birthday, to GOOD GRIEF, the organization that helps children, teens, and families learn from each other as they adapt and rebuild their lives. Good Grief builds resilience in children, strengthens families, and empowers communities to grow from loss and adversity. You can check out the organization's website at: https://good-grief.org/ And you can help sustain Good Grief by donating today as part of the AgeWise Podcastathon. It's easy: Donate to Good Grief Here:  https://secure.qgiv.com/for/acpfgg/ Or Text "agewise" to 50155 Thanking you in advance.

    Good Grief w/ Jane Leder

  4. Jul 23

    Living Without Limits: Evelyn Kelly Shares Her Life of Purpose, Travel & Curiosity at Age 91

    Evelyn challenges many of society's assumptions about aging. She explains why curiosity, lifelong learning, resilience, and purpose matter far more than the number of candles on a birthday cake. Jane Leder sits down with Evelyn Kelly, a 91-year-old author, world traveler, professor emeritus of genetics, and passionate advocate for healthy aging to explore what it truly means to live a vibrant, purposeful life at every age. Having written 22 books, traveled to 90 countries across all seven continents, and continued pursuing new goals well into her nineties, Evelyn challenges many of society's assumptions about aging. She explains why curiosity, lifelong learning, resilience, and purpose matter far more than the number of candles on a birthday cake. Evelyn reflects on growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, building a successful academic career, becoming fascinated with genetics and gerontology, and later discovering a new passion for travel writing with her daughter. Together, they discuss how travel can improve mental well-being, build resilience, strengthen confidence, and help older adults step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. The conversation also explores ageism, retirement, independence, emotional health, community, friendships across generations, widowhood, self-efficacy, and maintaining an active lifestyle after 60, 70, 80, and even 90. Evelyn shares practical wisdom on staying mentally engaged, adapting to physical changes, finding purpose after retirement, and refusing to let age define what's possible. Whether you're navigating retirement, searching for purpose later in life, caring about healthy aging, or simply looking for uplifting real-life stories from extraordinary older women, this episode offers powerful encouragement and actionable inspiration for creating a meaningful, joyful future.

    Living Without Limits: Evelyn Kelly Shares Her Life of Purpose, Travel & Curiosity at Age 91

  5. Jul 9

    From Widowhood to Reinvention Diane Heiler on Grief, Healing & Finding Joy Again

    Jane sits down with Diane Heiler to talk about her memoir, A Widow's Fire. Diane shares the remarkable story of losing her beloved husband of 25 years to lung cancer and the emotional reality of becoming his caregiver during the final years of his life. She speaks openly about anticipatory grief, caregiver burnout, and the overwhelming loneliness that followed his passing, while revealing how journaling, poetry, and self-reflection became powerful tools for healing. Diane also reflects on the experiences that shaped her long before widowhood—including divorce, single motherhood, entrepreneurship, and learning to trust her own strength. She courageously discusses Widow's Fire, the often misunderstood emotional and physical longing for connection after losing a spouse, and explains why finding companionship, happiness, or even love again should never be met with guilt or shame. Throughout the conversation, Diane shares practical wisdom on emotional resilience, rebuilding life after loss, navigating life transitions, traveling with a new partner while honoring cherished memories, and transforming heartbreak into purpose through writing. Her story is an inspiring reminder that grief and joy can exist together, and that healing doesn't mean leaving the past behind—it means carrying love forward while embracing a meaningful new chapter. Whether you're coping with the loss of a spouse, caring for someone with cancer, rebuilding after divorce, searching for purpose after retirement, or simply looking for encouragement about aging well, this conversation offers compassion, hope, and honest insight for every stage of life's journey. https://awidowsfire.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-heiler-9707202a/ https://medium.com/authority-magazine/diane-heiler-on-the-5-things-you-need-to-be-a-successful-author-or-writer-775f33422d6f https://www.huffpost.com/entry/widow-traveling-europe-with-boyfriend-in-80s_n_6a411e17e4b0f4826b45e175

    From Widowhood to Reinvention Diane Heiler on Grief, Healing & Finding Joy Again

  6. Jun 25

    Crafting Your Best Later Life with Erika Andersen

    In this episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder welcomes bestselling author, leadership expert, and aging well advocate Erika Andersen for a thought-provoking conversation about what it truly means to create your best life after 60. Drawing from her acclaimed book, The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, Erika shares a practical roadmap for aging well, finding purpose, embracing change, and staying engaged, curious, and fulfilled in later life. Rather than viewing aging as a period of decline, she challenges women over 50 to see it as an opportunity for reinvention, growth, freedom, and possibility. Erika explains why becoming the boss of your own life is one of the most important keys to healthy aging. She discusses how creating a personal vision, building meaningful relationships, overcoming ageism, and maintaining a strong sense of purpose can dramatically improve happiness, emotional health, and overall well-being. She also shares fascinating research showing that people with a positive mindset about aging can live significantly longer, while offering practical strategies for strengthening confidence after 50, managing self-talk, practicing mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, and adapting gracefully to life's inevitable transitions. The conversation explores loneliness after 60, community for older women, life after retirement, active aging, emotional resilience, lifelong learning, and finding joy in new experiences. Erika reveals why your 60s, 70s, and beyond can become some of the most meaningful, productive, and rewarding years of your life. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, searching for deeper fulfillment, building a new chapter after retirement, or simply looking for inspiration on aging gracefully, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, encouragement, and actionable insights.

    Crafting Your Best Later Life with Erika Andersen

  7. Jun 11

    From Fashion Maven to Pro-Aging Advocate w/ the "Queen of Jeans" Diane Gilman

    Jane Leder sits down with legendary fashion designer, entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor, and pro-aging advocate Diane Gilman for an unforgettable conversation about women over 50, aging well, reinvention, purpose, confidence, and creating a meaningful life at every age. Known worldwide as the “Queen of Jeans,” Diane Gilman transformed the fashion industry after age 60 by designing jeans specifically for middle-aged women, eventually selling nearly 25 million pairs worldwide. But this episode isn’t just about fashion. It’s about what happens when success, aging, health challenges, and purpose collide. After surviving breast cancer in her 70s, Diane experienced a profound shift in perspective. Instead of slowing down, she embraced reinvention, challenged ageism, launched a new career in podcasting, and became a powerful voice for older women who refuse to become invisible. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Diane Gilman reinvented her life and career after 60The story behind creating jeans for real women and changing an industryHow breast cancer transformed her outlook on aging and purposeWhy ageism remains a challenge for older women—and how to overcome itThe importance of confidence, self-worth, and independence after 50How to find purpose, fulfillment, and happiness later in lifeWhy it’s never too late to start something newThe role of mindset, wellness, and healthy aging in long-term successHow to create a meaningful legacy in your 60s, 70s, and beyondPractical life advice for women embracing reinvention and personal growth

    From Fashion Maven to Pro-Aging Advocate w/ the "Queen of Jeans" Diane Gilman

  8. May 28

    Mother-Daughter Relationships After 50: Healing, Purpose & Aging Well | Debra Mandel, Ph.D.

    This episode explores how our earliest family experiences—especially the complex bond between mothers and daughters—shape our mental health, emotional patterns, self-worth, and relationships across the lifespan. From childhood attachment and unmet emotional needs to adulthood independence and identity, this discussion uncovers the hidden layers that influence how women navigate life after 50, retirement, and aging well. Dr. Debra Mandel shares real-life insights from her clinical experience, including how shame, emotional wounds, and communication breakdowns often carry into midlife and beyond—impacting long-term relationships, confidence after 50, and overall wellness. You’ll learn how to recognize these patterns and begin the journey toward healing, clarity, and transformation. This episode also dives into the evolving realities of older women’s lifestyle, aging gracefully, and dealing with aging emotionally in a fast-changing world. From generational differences and modern family dynamics to the challenges of ageism, loneliness after 60, and shifting social roles, this conversation offers both validation and actionable guidance. 🔍 Episode Takeaways:●     How mother–daughter relationships evolve in midlife and beyond ●     The deep connection between shame, self-worth, and emotional health ●     How early family dynamics shape relationships after 50 ●     Practical tools for healthy communication, active listening, and emotional healing ●     How to rebuild confidence, independence, and personal identity after 50 ●     The importance of mental health after retirement and life transitions ●     How to navigate family conflict, boundaries, and generational differences ●     Why community, social connection, and support systems matter more than ever ●     How to find purpose in life after 50 and create fulfillment in later life https://drdebraonline.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.debramandel/?hl=en https://www.amazon.com/stores/Debra-Mandel/author/B0CMJZ65XT?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=d6d868b6-35b9-43e0-adef-f093e0020883 https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-mandel-636a304b/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8Rr98_iwmpnx0_gz2BdBw

    Mother-Daughter Relationships After 50: Healing, Purpose & Aging Well | Debra Mandel, Ph.D.
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4.7
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"Older Women & Friends: Stories of Aging Well" with Jane Leder is a podcast celebrating the wisdom, resilience, and real-life experiences of older women navigating life after 50.  Award-winning author Jane Leder and her guests explore the joys and challenges of aging, covering topics like longevity, healthspan, identity, purpose, and meaningful relationships. Through powerful storytelling and honest conversations, this podcast challenges age-related stereotypes, redefines what it means to grow older, and highlights the valuable contributions older women continue to make. If you're interested in aging well, personal growth, and living with purpose in the second phase of life, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and connection."

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