The Midlife Chrysalis

Chip Conley
  • 4.9 (71)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Midlife Chrysalis is a one-hour podcast hosted by Chip Conley, bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife and founder of MEA (Modern Elder Academy). Chip and his high-profile guests – including Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, Elizabeth Gilbert, Michael Franti, and more – dive into raw, vulnerable conversations about the profound transitions they’ve experienced in midlife. Listeners get a rare look at how even the most successful individuals have to navigate life’s pivotal changes – and gain practical wisdom they can apply in their own lives for a more fulfilling and purposeful next chapter.

  1. 1d ago

    Science Says Aging Can Make You Happier | Laura Carstensen

    The science of aging reveals a surprising truth: many people become happier as they get older. In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley sits down with Laura Carstensen, psychologist, longevity expert, and founder of the Stanford Center on Longevity, to explore the science of aging, happiness, and living longer. Key insights from this conversation: Why older adults are often happier than younger peopleHow aging changes the brain and increases our focus on positive experiencesWhy the search for immortality may actually make life less meaningfulHow longer lifespans are reshaping work, retirement, and societyWhy many of today's social norms were designed for lives much shorter than our own This conversation offers a fresh perspective on aging, purpose, happiness, and what it means to thrive in a longer life. Watch now. Timestamps: (03:25) Laura’s Life-Changing Accident at 21 (07:01) Recovery and Lessons from Older Women (12:17) The Theory of Socio-Emotional Selectivity (18:21) Why Time Gives Life Meaning (19:30) The Positivity Effect and Aging (24:53) The Stanford Center on Longevity (25:58) The New Map of Life (33:21) Building a Society for Longer Lives (34:07) Financial Security in a 100-Year Life (36:57) Rethinking Work and Retirement (38:07) Health Span vs Life Span (39:55) Will People Live Much Longer? (42:22) Laura’s Life Philosophy (43:36) Don’t Forget to Look at the Sky (45:19) Final Thoughts on Aging and Longevity Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #LauraCarstensen #Aging #HealthyAging #Longevity #Happiness #Midlife #PositiveAging #SuccessfulAging #Psychology #PersonalGrowth #LifePurpose #StanfordLongevity #EmotionalWellbeing #OlderAndWiser #MidlifeChrysalis

    48 min

  2. 4d ago

    Why So Many of Us Feel Like We Don't Belong | Pádraig Ó Tuama

    What does it mean to belong, to yourself, to others, and to a life that's constantly changing? In this powerful conversation, Chip Conley sits down with Irish poet, theologian, and conflict mediator Padraig O Tuama to explore belonging, grief, identity, faith, and the wisdom that comes with midlife. You'll learn: Why belonging isn't always what we think it isHow poetry helps us navigate loss and uncertaintyPadraig's journey through religion, sexuality, and reparative therapyWhat turning 40 taught him about mortality and meaningWhy love may be life's most important practice Filled with beautiful poetry, profound insights, and heartfelt stories, this episode is a reminder that even in life's most difficult seasons, you belong here. Watch now and let us know: What line or insight stayed with you most? Timestamps: (02:30) Poetry as Cultural Memory (05:19) The Purpose of Poetry (06:41) When Is a Poem Finished? (07:33) Becoming a Poet (10:13) Faith, Sexuality, and Identity (12:37) Exorcisms and Reparative Therapy (19:16) Belonging and Conflict (22:47) How to Be Alone (25:12) Grief, Breathing, and Death (30:16) Sleeping in His Mother's Bed (33:19) Midlife and the Shock of Turning 40 (36:42) Birthday Prayer (39:32) Midlife Awakening and Change (41:36) The Facts of Life (45:11) Love, Death, and Wisdom (47:02) Desire, Lack, and Meaning (48:13) Final Reflections and Closing Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #Belonging #Authenticity #Midlife #Poetry #PadraigOTuama #SelfDiscovery #Identity #PersonalGrowth #Grief #LifeLessons #EmotionalHealing #TruthTelling #Purpose #HumanConnection #Wisdom

    52 min

  3. 6d ago

    When Success Isn't Enough: Finding Purpose in Midlife

    Many successful people reach midlife with a surprising question: What's next? In this episode of Wisdom Wednesday, Chip Conley shares what he's learning from leading the Purpose Fellowship, a year-long program helping people redefine purpose beyond career, achievement, and old identities. Chip explores why so many high achievers struggle to find meaning after success, how hidden patterns influence our choices, and why purpose is often much broader than we realize. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why purpose is not just one thing for your entire lifeHow career identity can keep people stuckThe role of the "shadow" in shaping behavior and decisionsWhy the shift from ego to soul becomes important in midlifeFour practical ways to reconnect with meaning and fulfillment If you're navigating a life transition, questioning your direction, or looking for a deeper sense of purpose, this episode offers valuable insights and practical wisdom. Listen now and start exploring what your next chapter could look like. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction – The Midlife Chrysalis & Purpose 00:30 Welcome with Chip Conley and Derek Gehl 01:04 Chip's health update and prostate cancer treatment 02:05 MEA Homecoming, Richard Rohr workshop, and finding purpose 03:39 Why purpose matters and common misconceptions 05:17 Big P vs. Small P Purpose 06:46 The origin of the Purpose Fellowship 08:22 Why successful people struggle to find what's next 09:49 Building a Portfolio of Purpose 10:26 The Power 24 Assessment Tool 11:46 The lawyer who became a pastry chef 13:06 Who joins the Purpose Fellowship? 14:52 Common purpose challenges in midlife 15:46 Why achievers struggle to let go of success metrics 16:01 The “Stylus” metaphor and finding new music in life 17:02 Self-reflection, identity, and the Hero’s Journey 18:06 Understanding your shadow self 19:00 The danger of jumping onto a new treadmill 20:30 Letting go of old identities 22:41 The most overlooked area: Spiritual development 23:35 Moving from ego to soul in midlife 24:01 Four pathways to discovering purpose 25:00 Chip's current purpose experiments and passions 25:34 Family, fatherhood, and what matters most 26:07 Chip's new Substack and Wisdom Well26:33 Final thoughts and outro Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #MidlifeChrysalis #MidlifePurpose #FindYourPurpose #MidlifeTransition #PersonalGrowth #LifeAfterSuccess #MeaningfulLife #PurposeDrivenLife #SecondHalfOfLife #MidlifeTransformation #SelfDiscovery #LifePurpose #PersonalDevelopment #ChipConley #MidlifeJourney

    27 min

  4. Jun 15

    What Comes After You've Achieved Everything? | Bill George

    He had the career, the success, and the recognition. So why was he miserable? In this episode, Chip Conley sits down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and former Medtronic CEO Bill George to explore why success without purpose can leave even the most accomplished people feeling unfulfilled. Drawing from personal loss, career setbacks, and decades of leadership experience, Bill shares the lessons that helped him discover his True North and build a life centered on meaning rather than achievement. You'll learn: Why success alone will never be enoughHow adversity reveals who you really areWhat it means to find your True NorthWhy authentic leadership starts with self-awarenessHow to stay purposeful and engaged at every stage of life Whether you're navigating midlife, rethinking your career, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation offers timeless wisdom for living and leading with purpose. Listen now and discover what happens when success gives way to meaning. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:38) Bill George’s Leadership Journey (07:09) Loss, Grief, and Life Lessons (10:24) The Honeywell Wake Up Call (13:08) Discovering Purpose at Medtronic (14:49) What Authentic Leadership Really Means (18:28) How Crucible Moments Shape Leaders (22:22) External Validation vs Inner Purpose (25:03) Finding Your True North (28:32) Exercises for Self Discovery (30:54) Why Business Education Must Change (35:42) Retirement and Staying Purposeful (40:13) A Lifetime of Growth and Curiosity (42:24) Midlife as a Time to Reflect (43:38) Helping Others Reach Their Potential (44:26) Three Lessons from Bill George Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #MidlifeChrysalis #PurposeDrivenLife #TrueNorth #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeTransformation #FindingPurpose #LifeLessons #LeadershipLessons #SelfAwareness #CareerGrowth #MeaningfulLife #ModernElder #BillGeorge

    49 min

  5. Jun 12

    Stop Beating Yourself Up and Listen to This | Kristin Neff

    Most of us are far kinder to other people than we are to ourselves and according to leading self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff, that may be one of the biggest reasons we struggle with stress, burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt. In this episode, Kristin shares how discovering self-compassion through Buddhism and mindfulness changed her life during a difficult period of divorce, uncertainty, and intense self-criticism. She explains why self-compassion is not weakness or self-indulgence, but a proven tool for resilience, growth, motivation, and emotional wellbeing. Chip and Kristin explore: Why humans are naturally self-criticalThe hidden cost of tying self-worth to achievementHow self-compassion improves performance and reduces anxietyWhy midlife often forces us to rethink success and identityThe difference between tender and fierce self-compassion This episode is full of practical wisdom, emotional insight, and powerful reminders about what it truly means to care for yourself. Watch now and learn why being kind to yourself can change the way you live, grow, and heal. Timestamps: (04:03) Divorce, Stress, and Self-Criticism (05:28) Learning Mindfulness with Thich Nhat Hanh (07:34) Why Most People Struggle with Self-Compassion (10:06) The Power of Asking What Do I Need (11:51) Why Women Often Ignore Their Own Needs (13:13) Does Self-Compassion Reduce Motivation (16:14) Stress, Performance, and Fierce Self-Compassion (19:08) Growth Mindset and Self-Compassion (22:08) Self-Compassion During Midlife (24:15) Authenticity and Aging (25:15) Letting Go of Old Success Scripts (26:05) Hope, Optimism, and Emotional Resilience (28:57) Can You Have Too Much Self-Compassion (31:06) The Three Elements of Self-Compassion (36:22) Self-Talk and Aging (38:22) Aging, Appearance, and Self-Worth (41:10) Spirituality and Compassionate Presence (42:43) Wisdom, Kindness, and Life Lessons (44:49) Final Thoughts on Being Kind to Yourself Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #SelfCompassion #KristinNeff #Mindfulness #MidlifeGrowth #EmotionalResilience #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #InnerCritic #MindsetShift #Authenticity #StressManagement #HealingJourney #MidlifeChrysalis #EmotionalWellbeing

    48 min

  6. Jun 10

    Why Time Speeds Up as You Get Older (And How to Slow It Down)

    Why does time seem to move faster every year? One moment you're raising young children. The next, they're leaving home. So where does the time go? In this Wisdom Wednesday, Chip Conley and Derek Gehl explore one of life's biggest mysteries: why time feels faster as we age and what we can do about it. You'll discover: Why being a beginner makes life feel longerHow flow states help us become fully presentThe surprising link between mortality and happinessWhy purpose, mindset, and relationships matter more than any biohackThe powerful midlife mantra that can help you stop putting life off Chip also shares a moving reflection on cancer, aging, and what he calls "holy urgency", a perspective that can change how you live today. 🎧 Watch now and learn how to create not just a longer life, but a fuller one. Timestamps: (00:00) One Year of Midlife Chrysalis (01:24) Why Time Feels Faster as We Age (03:40) What Happens in the Flow States (04:31) Focusing on the Present (07:11) Memento Mori and Carpe Diem (09:06) Learning New Skills Later in Life (10:13) How Children Experience Life (11:05) The Importance of Flow and Presence (12:40) Chip’s Upcoming Sabbatical (15:00) Burning Man and the Principle of Immediacy (16:46) Cancer and the Holy Urgency (22:56) The Benefits of Mindset, Community, and Purpose (24:11) How Mindset Shapes Health and Aging (26:02) Designing Longevity Beyond Biohacking Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #WisdomWednesday #TimeFlies #MidlifeWisdom #MementoMori #FlowState #PurposeDrivenLife #PresentMoment #AgingWell #LongevityMindset #LifePurpose #PersonalGrowth #MeaningfulLife #MidlifeTransformation

    25 min

  7. Jun 8

    What Research Reveals About America’s Midlife Crisis | Frank Infurna

    Why do so many people feel overwhelmed, lonely, and unhappy in midlife? Conley sits down with leading midlife researcher Frank Infurna to explore why so many middle-aged adults are struggling with stress, mental health challenges, and declining well-being, especially in the United States. Drawing from years of research on aging and happiness, Frank explains why Americans report higher levels of loneliness and depression in midlife, why happiness often increases after 50, and how relationships, family, and purpose become more meaningful as we age. They also discuss: Why midlife is deeply misunderstoodThe importance of community and social connectionHow to approach your next decade with more intentionWhy aging can improve emotional resilience and wisdom This episode is insightful, hopeful, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone navigating change, rethinking their future, or entering a new phase of life. Watch now and discover why the second half of life may hold more possibility than you think. Timestamps: (02:58) Why Frank Started Studying Midlife (05:32) The Hidden Stressors of Midlife (07:36) Why Americans Struggle More in Midlife (10:06) How Other Countries Support Midlife Better (12:09) Practical Advice for Surviving Midlife Stress (14:52) Do Better Social Policies Improve Happiness? (16:27) The Real Midlife Crisis Explained (17:45) Why Midlife Is So Misunderstood (22:50) Is the U-Curve of Happiness Real? (25:18) Midlife as a Time of Reinvention (28:17) What Should My Next 10 Years Look Like (30:09) The Rise of Midlife Wisdom Schools (32:40) Questions to Ask Yourself After 50 (34:56) What Gets Better with Age (38:02) Wisdom Bumper Sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #Midlife #MidlifeCrisis #MidlifeWisdom #HealthyAging #Loneliness #MentalHealth #LifeAfter50 #MidlifeTransition #EmotionalWellbeing #PurposeInLife #AgingWell #FamilySupport #PersonalGrowth #Psychology #MiddleAge

    42 min

  8. Jun 5

    The Truth About Becoming Miserably Successful | Debjani Biswas

    What happens when you do everything “right” in life… and still end up unhappy? In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Debjani Biswas, leadership coach, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker, to talk about burnout, reinvention, identity, and what it really means to live authentically. She shares her journey from turning down Harvard twice and breaking barriers as the only woman in her IIT engineering class to experiencing a complete midlife unraveling that changed everything. Together with Chip Conley, she explores: Why so many successful people feel empty insideHow fear and perfectionism quietly shape our livesThe surprising freedom that can come from a midlife crisisThe leadership qualities that matter most todayThe simple coaching question that can transform your thinking Warm, honest, and deeply insightful, this episode is for anyone navigating reinvention, purpose, or the pressure to keep it all together. Watch now and discover why your most meaningful chapter may still be ahead. Watch Debjani’s TEDx Talk here: TEDx Talk on Gender Bias and Identity Timestamps: (10:44) Turning Down Harvard Twice (13:19) Being the Only Woman at IIT (16:29) Discovering Executive Coaching (18:47) Indra Nooyi and Women in Leadership (20:38) Midlife Chrysalis at 49 and the First Book (24:32) Breaking Out of Set Path (28:18) Letting Go and Embracing Growth (30:15) The Meaning of Miserably Successful (33:45) The Stress Framework Explained (37:52) Powerful Coaching Questions (40:43) The Leadership Qualities That Matter Most (45:37) How Wisdom Changed Her Life (51:11) Wisdom Bumper Sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #DebjaniBiswas #ChipConley #MidlifeChrysalis #MiserablySuccessful #MidlifeTransformation #ExecutiveCoaching #WomenInLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #CareerReinvention #LeadershipWisdom #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeReset #FearAndSuccess #PurposeDrivenLife #LeadershipPodcast

    50 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

The Midlife Chrysalis is a one-hour podcast hosted by Chip Conley, bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife and founder of MEA (Modern Elder Academy). Chip and his high-profile guests – including Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, Elizabeth Gilbert, Michael Franti, and more – dive into raw, vulnerable conversations about the profound transitions they’ve experienced in midlife. Listeners get a rare look at how even the most successful individuals have to navigate life’s pivotal changes – and gain practical wisdom they can apply in their own lives for a more fulfilling and purposeful next chapter.

Information

  • Creator
    Chip Conley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chip Conley
  • Show Website
    The Midlife Chrysalis

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