Meaning and Moxie After 50

Leslie Maloney
  • 5.0 (78)
  • 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. 3d ago

    How Hosting International Students Can Change Your Life After 50

    In this episode, Leslie talks with Jennifer Robin Wilson—author of The Heart of Homestay, entrepreneur, leadership coach, and former CEO of the Canada Homestay Network—about the life-changing experience of hosting international students. Jennifer explains how homestay programs connect students from around the world with local families, creating meaningful cultural exchanges that benefit everyone involved. She shares why adults over 50, especially empty nesters and retirees, often make exceptional hosts, finding renewed purpose, companionship, and the opportunity to "travel without leaving home." The conversation also covers the practical side of hosting, including how students are matched with families, the support organizations provide, the varying lengths of stays, compensation in different programs, and how interested listeners can explore hosting opportunities in their own communities. The discussion then shifts to Jennifer's own story of reinvention. After an unexpected divorce ended her career as a midwife, she joined her family's homestay business, earned an MBA, and eventually grew the organization from a small regional operation into a nationwide network that has placed more than 100,000 students from over 130 countries. Now serving as chair of the board, Jennifer has stepped away from daily operations to focus on writing, coaching, and helping leaders and entrepreneurs navigate change. Her journey is a powerful reminder that life's unexpected detours can become meaningful new beginnings, and that embracing new opportunities—whether through hosting, entrepreneurship, or a career pivot—can lead to deeper connection, purpose, and personal growth. Jennifer's Info: https://oakbaycoachingandconsulting.ca/ https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Homestay-Meaningful-Connections-International/dp/1774584980/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LX27HTEE0PF9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8iZMvYuyCdFksU-_RVHV8g.zbmpeiGDzPmT0v1iNw9eVA2QQ6LDKQ2Rd0nUJNQK-lo&dib_tag=se&keywords=9781774584989&qid=1721832257&sprefix=9781774584989%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 **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. Jul 20

    Meet Margaret: The 93-Year-Old Who Will Change the Way You Think About Aging

    In this fascinating episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with 93-year-old author, conservationist and mathematician Margaret Broussard for a conversation that spans nearly a century of history, adventure, and purpose. Margaret shares what it was like growing up in "Old Florida" before air conditioning, widespread development, and the state's explosive population growth. She reflects on her family's commitment to preserving more than 3,000 acres of authentic Florida wilderness through conservation, ensuring that future generations can experience the natural beauty she has cherished throughout her life. Along the way, she also discusses the importance of recording family stories, writing her memoirs, and preserving history before it's lost. Beyond her work in conservation, Margaret's career was decades ahead of its time. After earning a master's degree in mathematics, she taught college-level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics before becoming one of the earliest professionals in the emerging computer industry, programming massive mainframe computers long before personal computers existed. Leslie and Margaret also discuss the challenges women faced in STEM careers, the value of lifelong learning, and Margaret's remarkable spirit of adventure—including skydiving at age 90. Filled with wisdom, humor, and perspective, this episode is a powerful reminder that purpose, curiosity, and meaningful contribution don't have an expiration date. **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. Jul 13

    Growing Older, Growing Wiser: Harmony Slater on Yoga and the Journey of Life

    In this episode, Leslie sits down with author, entrepreneur, and one of the world's most highly certified Ashtanga yoga instructors, Harmony Slater, for a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to live with intention. While they begin by exploring Harmony's impressive background in the Ashtanga yoga tradition, the discussion quickly expands into the deeper lessons yoga offers beyond the mat—learning to quiet the mind, regulate the nervous system, let go of perfectionism, and develop greater self-awareness. Harmony shares how these practices can help women navigate life's transitions, avoid burnout, and reconnect with themselves instead of constantly striving or seeking external validation. The conversation also explores the realities of building a meaningful life and business after major life changes. Harmony candidly discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of trusting yourself, and why success isn't simply about working harder but about aligning your actions with your values and purpose. Together, Leslie and Harmony encourage listeners to embrace curiosity, create space for reflection and recognize that lasting fulfillment comes from cultivating inner resilience rather than chasing achievement. The episode leaves listeners with practical inspiration for slowing down, finding clarity, and creating a life that feels both purposeful and deeply grounded. Harmony's info: https://harmonyslater.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. Jul 6

    Healing the Patterns That Keep You Stuck

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with life coach and author Lisa Taylor to discuss her new book, It All Begins With You, and the deeply personal experiences that inspired it. Lisa shares how a series of life-altering events—including an unexpected move, becoming the primary caregiver for her six-year-old niece after a family crisis, and the eventual end of her marriage—forced her to confront years of unresolved childhood trauma. Rather than simply surviving these challenges, she chose to embark on an intentional healing journey, using practices such as journaling, meditation, breathwork, and kundalini yoga to better understand herself. Together, Leslie and Lisa explore how our most difficult seasons often become our greatest teachers, revealing patterns we've carried for years and opening the door to lasting transformation. The conversation also focuses on practical tools for emotional healing and nervous system regulation, emphasizing that personal growth is an ongoing process rather than a destination. Lisa explains how healing her own emotional wounds ultimately led her to transition from running a successful marketing agency into coaching others through similar life transitions. Leslie highlights the importance of continually adding "new tools to the toolbox" as we grow and change, especially after 50, when many women are reevaluating who they are and what they want next. Filled with hope, wisdom, and actionable insights, this episode encourages listeners to stop looking outside themselves for answers and begin the rewarding work of healing from within so they can create a more authentic and fulfilling life. Lisa's Info:  https://www.instagram.com/thelisataylor/ **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. Jun 29

    Why Somatic Healing Is the Missing Piece to Nervous System Regulation After 50

    In this episode, Leslie sits down with somatic healing practitioner Lori Montry to explore why so many people feel stuck despite years of self-help, positive thinking, or traditional talk therapy. Lori explains that lasting change requires more than changing our thoughts—it requires working with the body and nervous system, which often hold onto past experiences and keep us in survival mode. Together, they discuss how chronic busyness, overstimulation, and the pressure to constantly achieve disconnect us from ourselves, making it difficult to access creativity, intuition, and authentic joy.  Leslie and Lori also share practical, science-backed strategies to regulate the nervous system and create more calm in everyday life. From building "see where the wind takes me" days and practicing intentional rest to limiting technology, improving sleep habits, embracing nature, and using simple somatic exercises like the "voo" breath and the "push away" technique, they offer listeners accessible tools to move out of stress and into resilience. Lori's message from her book, You're Not the Problem, is both hopeful and empowering: if you're struggling with follow-through, self-care, or breaking old patterns, it's not a lack of willpower—it's often a nervous system asking for safety. This inspiring conversation reminds listeners that by caring for our bodies as well as our minds, we can create lasting change, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.  Lori's Information:  Website: www.LoriMontry.com  Youtube: Lori Montry -Somatic Healing Practitioner - YouTube Facebook:  www.facebook.com/LoriMontry  Instagram: Instagram  Email List (1.5k): https://www.lorimontry.com/book-intro **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. Jun 22

    How to Clear the Clutter, Reduce Stress, and Create More Space for What Matters Most

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with professional organizer, author, and entrepreneur Lisa Woodruff about how getting organized is about much more than having a tidy closet—it’s about reducing stress, gaining control, and creating a life that feels more manageable. Lisa shares her own journey of approaching age 40 feeling overwhelmed, reactive, and stuck, before deciding to take a proactive approach to her future by launching Organize365. Drawing from her background as a teacher and professional organizer, she explains how organization systems can help people navigate the increasing complexity of modern life, particularly for women who often find themselves managing not only their own households but also helping aging parents, adult children, and other family members. A major focus of the conversation is Lisa’s signature “Sunday Basket” system, which helps people manage the constant flow of papers, to-do lists, bills, appointments, and household responsibilities that often create mental clutter. She explains that organization is not about perfection—it’s about creating repeatable systems that reduce decision fatigue and help people stay in control of their lives. One particularly powerful story involves a woman and her mother, who was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. By using the same organizational system together, the mother was able to maintain her household responsibilities longer, while the daughter gained valuable insight into managing her mother’s affairs as her condition progressed. The episode offers practical wisdom, hope, and encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities and looking for simple ways to create more order, freedom, and peace of mind. Lisa's Info: https://organize365.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.

  7. Jun 15

    Nervous System Regulation 101: Easy Practices for Less Stress and More Calm

    In this solo episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie explores why so many women over 50 feel stuck in a constant state of stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. Drawing on her background as a certified stress management coach and longtime yoga teacher, she explains the science behind nervous system regulation and shares a powerful message: you cannot think your way out of a stressed body—you must physically show your body that it is safe. Leslie breaks down the difference between the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and restore") nervous systems, explaining how chronic stress impacts everything from sleep and muscle tension to emotional well-being. Throughout the episode, Leslie guides listeners through several simple, science-backed practices that can calm the nervous system in real time. These include an orientation exercise that uses sight and touch to signal safety to the brain, extended exhale breathing to stimulate the vagus nerve and improve heart rate variability, releasing tension in the jaw and shoulders, and a self-hug technique based on deep pressure therapy. She emphasizes that lasting change comes not from occasional wellness practices but from small, daily moments of regulation that retrain the brain through neuroplasticity. Leslie closes with a reminder that true moxie after 50 isn't about pushing through exhaustion—it's about creating a body and life that feel safe, calm, and supportive every day. Leslie's Info: https://meaningandmoxieafter50.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. Jun 8

    The Surprising Truth About Dating, Intimacy, and Love After 50

    In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie talks with psychotherapist and certified sex therapist Brooke Bralove about dating, intimacy, and relationships after 50. Brooke explains that many women in the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations grew up with limited or negative messages about sex, leaving them without accurate information about their bodies, pleasure, and intimacy. She discusses how menopause, aging, divorce, empty nesting, and other life transitions can create both excitement and uncertainty, while emphasizing that it is never too late to learn, grow, and develop a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with sexuality. Throughout the conversation, she encourages women to communicate openly with partners, prioritize their own pleasure, and challenge outdated beliefs that often prevent authentic connection. The discussion also explores the realities of dating later in life, particularly the challenges and opportunities of dating apps. Brooke shares practical advice, including limiting time spent on apps, meeting potential partners relatively quickly, using video chats for safety and compatibility screening, and avoiding the trap of becoming emotionally invested in online conversations before meeting in person. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing chemistry from compatibility, evaluating people for who they are now rather than their potential, and developing resilience in the face of rejection. While acknowledging the frustrations of modern dating, Brooke remains optimistic, noting that many people find meaningful relationships later in life when they approach dating with self-awareness, honesty, and a willingness to stay open to new possibilities. Brooke's info: https://brookebralove.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.

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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
    136
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Meaning and Moxie After 50
  • Show Website
    Meaning and Moxie After 50