Meaning and Moxie After 50

Leslie Maloney
  • 5.0 (77)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Looking for more inspiration and possibility in midlife and beyond? Join host Leslie Maloney, proud wife, mom, author and teacher, as she talks with people finding Meaning and Moxie in their life after 50.

  1. 9h ago

    Before I Was Ready: Why the Best Chapters of Life Begin When You Stop Waiting to Be Ready

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with Jeanne Chung, whose life has taken her from a traditional Korean upbringing and a career in investment banking to yoga, wellness, entrepreneurship, and now writing a memoir. Jeanne shares how being raised by North Korean refugee parents—particularly a strict “Tiger Mom”—shaped her early ideas about achievement, perfection, and being a “good girl.” In midlife, she began recognizing how deeply that conditioning still influenced her choices. Yoga became an unexpected turning point, helping her reconnect with her body, trust herself, and begin making decisions based less on what she was supposed to do and more on what felt right. Her willingness to follow unexpected opportunities eventually led her around the world, including living in Singapore and creating a boutique detox hotel in Thailand. Throughout the conversation, Jeanne and Leslie explore what it means to say yes before you feel completely ready—while also recognizing that sometimes the right answer really is “not yet.” Jeanne talks about meeting the man she loves at 50, moving to New York for love, navigating midlife and menopause, and learning to loosen her grip on perfection. That philosophy is at the heart of her memoir, Before I Was Ready, which she describes as a way of “metabolizing” the experiences, grief, relationships, and lessons of her life so she can move more freely into whatever comes next. It’s a conversation about letting go of old expectations, embracing the messy process of growth, and realizing that we don’t have to have the next chapter completely figured out before we begin living it. Jeanne's Info: https://jeannechung.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  2. Oct 5

    Feng Shui: Creating a Home That Supports the Life You Want

    In this episode, Leslie talks with Lisa Morton, Feng Shui Master, intuitive holistic interior designer, author of Aligned at Home, and host of Feng Shui Living. Lisa shares how her career designing multimillion-dollar private aircraft eventually led to severe burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression—and an unexpected realization: although her own home was beautiful and photo-ready, it wasn’t actually supporting how she wanted to feel. That experience led her to explore holistic design and feng shui and ultimately changed both her home and the direction of her life. Lisa explains how our surroundings can influence the way we feel, rest, focus, and move forward. She and Leslie explore the five elements of feng shui, the impact of color and texture, creating warmth and comfort in a space, and Lisa’s approach to space clearing. They also tackle clutter, which Lisa memorably describes as “unmade decisions,” and why even one unresolved box or object can continue to weigh on us. The bigger message is especially meaningful as we move through different stages of life: our homes don’t have to simply reflect who we’ve been—they can help support who we’re becoming. Lisa's Info: https://www.purelivingwithlisamorton.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  3. Sep 28

    Stop Waiting for Someday: Break Free From Your Automatic Life

    In this inspiring episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with Mikael Avatar Stjernvall, a Swedish Paralympic world-record holder, coach, artist, and self-described “inner freedom architect” now living in Thailand. Born with cerebral palsy and facing significant physical challenges from childhood, Mikael refused to let other people’s expectations define what was possible for him. From teaching himself to ride a bicycle after doctors said he couldn’t, to training thousands of hours and eventually competing at the Paralympics, his life has been shaped by persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to follow his own path. After decades of chronic pain, a trip to Thailand brought unexpected physical relief, eventually prompting him to leave Sweden and build an entirely new life there. But Mikael discovered that achievement—even breaking a world record—didn’t automatically bring fulfillment. That realization led to years of reflection and ultimately to what he calls the Mikael Avatar Method, centered on small, intentional shifts that help people become more present, aware, and authentic. He and Leslie explore the importance of stepping out of our “automatic life,” questioning familiar patterns, practicing what we want to become rather than waiting for someday, and giving the people in front of us our full attention. For those over 50 especially, Mikael’s message is simple but powerful: don’t wait until retirement to write the book, paint the picture, or begin living differently. Meaning can be found in presence, practice, connection—and making sure there is still something in your day that makes you smile. Mikael's info: https://mikaelavatar.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  4. Sep 21

    Your Next Adventure May Be Bigger Than You Think: Semester at Sea After 50

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with Vera Nicholas about an unexpected way to combine travel, learning, adventure, and connection later in life: becoming a Lifelong Learner with Semester at Sea. Vera shares how, in her mid-60s, she embarked on a 105-day voyage that took her from Amsterdam to destinations including Portugal, Morocco, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Jordan, Kenya, India, and Dubai. What began as her own retirement adventure became so transformative that it ultimately brought her out of retirement and into a role with Semester at Sea. Vera explains how adults—from their 30s into their 90s—can join college students and world-class faculty aboard the ship, take classes, experience different cultures in meaningful ways, and choose either a full semester or, on certain voyages, a shorter “Spotlight Voyage.” But this conversation is about much more than seeing the world. Vera describes the surprising and powerful intergenerational relationships that develop aboard the ship, with younger students actively seeking out Lifelong Learners for their experience, perspective, and informal mentoring. Through classes, meals, cultural experiences, and even an optional “extended family” program where adults can become ship moms or dads, generations learn from one another in ways neither may have expected. Leslie and Vera also discuss practical details—from cabins and costs to seasickness, safety, families traveling with children, and life aboard the ship. Ultimately, Vera’s story is a wonderful reminder that adventure, learning, connection, and even an entirely new chapter of work don’t have an expiration date—and sometimes the experience you think is your retirement adventure turns out to be the beginning of something else entirely. Vera's Info: semesteratsea.org Manager of Lifelong Learning & Partner Relations Institute for Shipboard Education | Semester at Sea® Academic Partner: Colorado State University **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  5. Sep 14

    Why More Women Over 50 Are Rethinking Their Relationship With Alcohol

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with emotional sobriety coach Colleen Freeland for a refreshingly different conversation about women and alcohol. Colleen shares her own journey from being a high-achieving mother, professional, marathon runner, and yoga teacher to becoming a daily drinker whose alcohol use escalated dramatically during COVID. After three years of sobriety, she began to see that, for her, alcohol wasn’t the core problem—it had become a way of coping with perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, constant productivity, and a deeply ingrained habit of putting herself last. Together, Leslie and Colleen explore the often-overlooked space between “normal drinker” and “alcoholic,” and why the traditional all-or-nothing approach to drinking may not resonate with every woman who wants to change her relationship with alcohol. The conversation ultimately goes much deeper than drinking. Colleen explains how many high-functioning women can be dysregulated without recognizing it because their dysregulation looks like productivity, control, and getting everything done. Alcohol can become the thing that finally gives them permission to stop—but lasting change comes from learning how to slow down, tolerate discomfort, set boundaries, listen to the body, and prioritize how they want to feel, not simply what they want to accomplish. Leslie and Colleen also discuss “mommy wine culture,” social pressure, marketing, and the messages women absorb about alcohol and belonging. Colleen’s central message is powerful: changing drinking habits isn’t simply about willpower or removing alcohol—it’s about changing your relationship with yourself and learning to create the peace, confidence, and emotional regulation you were looking for in the first place. Colleen's Info:  https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  6. Sep 7

    Still Becoming at 79: Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Again

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with 79-year-old author, entrepreneur, speaker, and lifelong reinvention expert Jay Sargeant, founder of The SHIFT Project and author of SHIFT: The Gift of Reinvention. Jay looks back on a life that has taken him from community organizer to tennis professional, franchise developer, business consultant, NLP trainer, and beyond—often stepping into new roles without the traditional credentials people assume they need. Through colorful and often funny stories, he shares three patterns he discovered while writing his book: credentials are overrated, there are no small moments, and it is never too late to change. His message isn't that expertise doesn't matter, but that knowing your strengths, being willing to learn, and having the courage to begin can matter more than waiting until you feel completely qualified or prepared. The conversation goes deeper into what allows someone to keep reinventing rather than becoming stuck in a life that no longer feels right. Jay talks about trusting his instincts, recognizing opportunities, accepting failure, and being willing to become a beginner again—something Leslie notes can be especially difficult for accomplished people later in life. His stories include losing a successful business at 41 and unexpectedly discovering the work that would become his next chapter, as well as the beautiful story of his grandmother finding love again at 91, a reminder that new beginnings don't come with an expiration date. At 79, Jay's philosophy is wonderfully simple: stay open, pay attention to the moments that appear in front of you, and don't leave too much of yourself unused. As he puts it, he wants to reach the end of his life like a tube of toothpaste that's been completely squeezed out—nothing left in the container. Jay's Info: https://www.theshiftproject.academy/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  7. Aug 31

    From Grief to Gratitude: Finding Your Way Back to Life After Loss

    In this deeply thoughtful episode, Leslie sits down with Steven Ferrara, author of Grief to Gratitude: Embracing the Inner Pathway to Healing and Peace, to explore what it means to move through profound loss without allowing grief to define the rest of your life. Steven shares his own devastating experiences—the sudden death of his 23-year-old son, Christopher, in a car accident, followed several years later by the death of his wife, Allie, just seven weeks after her diagnosis. Despite decades of spiritual study and meditation, Steven found himself angry, questioning everything he believed, and struggling to make sense of what had happened. Journaling became one of his most powerful tools, giving him a private place to express the raw emotions of grief. Years later, rereading nearly 30 journals allowed him to recognize the turning points that had slowly carried him toward healing. The conversation moves beyond grief into gratitude, acceptance, spirituality, and a different way of looking at life and death. Steven explains how shifting his perspective—from focusing only on what he had lost to feeling gratitude for the years he had with the people he loved—changed his relationship with grief. He and Leslie discuss why grief doesn't follow a neat set of stages, how acceptance can become the beginning of deeper healing, and the possibility of maintaining an ongoing connection with those we have lost. Their conversation expands into ideas about consciousness, our resistance to the way life unfolds, and the possibility that our human experience is part of something much larger. Ultimately, Steven's message isn't about forgetting loss or eliminating sadness; it's about discovering that grief and gratitude can exist together—and that gratitude can help us find our way back to living fully. Steve's Info: https://www.stevenferrara.com/ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

  8. Aug 24

    Strong for Life: The Case for Strength Training After 50

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with author, health and wellness coach, and former CPA Jeanne Phares about why strength training may be one of the most important things women can do as they age. Jeanne explains that the goal isn’t simply weight loss or changing how we look—it’s maintaining muscle, balance, posture, mobility, independence, and quality of life. She shares practical advice for making strength training manageable, including starting with just two 30-minute sessions a week, allowing adequate recovery time, using lighter weights and slower movements, and prioritizing protein. Jeanne also challenges the idea that becoming weaker or gaining weight around the middle is simply an inevitable part of aging. Her own experience surviving leukemia at 55 reinforced her belief that entering a health crisis physically strong and without other major health problems can matter tremendously. The conversation also moves beyond exercise into what it means to age well and take ownership of this stage of life. Jeanne shares how her cancer experience, writing, coaching, and creation of the Sage Lifestyle Collective have shaped her mission to give women practical, research-based tools for midlife and beyond. She and Leslie talk about the overwhelming amount of health information women encounter, the importance of putting yourself higher on your own priority list, and the freedom that often comes with getting older and caring less about what other people think. For Jeanne, meaning comes from gratitude for surviving cancer and using that second chance to help others; her moxie comes from encouraging women to be strong, stay active, laugh, maintain friendships, and fully show up as themselves. Jeanne's Info: https://sage-lifestyle-press.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQJKKLQ **The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute  legal advice;  instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast  may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

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About

Looking for more inspiration and possibility in midlife and beyond? Join host Leslie Maloney, proud wife, mom, author and teacher, as she talks with people finding Meaning and Moxie in their life after 50.

Information

  • Creator
    Leslie Maloney
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Meaning and Moxie After 50
  • Show Website
    Meaning and Moxie After 50

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