To 40 & Beyond

Grant R. Keelan

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Society & Culture

To 40 & Beyond is a personal and creative podcast about life, parenthood, and the pursuit of art, all on the edge of 40 (and whatever comes next). Join Grant R Keelan, actor, photographer, filmmaker, and parent, as he shares honest reflections on mental health, identity, and the chaos of raising a kid while staying creative. Funny, raw, and evolving. This isn’t a midlife crisis. It’s a midlife take… maybe a little crisis.

Apr 15

Episode 8 - 'Gaming, Fundraising & Living with MS' Feat Scott Arbuckle

In this episode of To 40 & Beyond, I’m joined by an old friend, Scott Arbuckle - someone I’ve known for nearly 20 years. Although we haven’t seen each other in person for well over a decade, we’ve still kept in touch over the years through online gaming, which makes this catch-up all the more special. This conversation is a real mix of nostalgia, honesty, and perspective. We reminisce about those earlier years before diving into Scott’s journey since being diagnosed with MS 12 years ago. He shares his experience of living with the condition, offering a genuine and open insight into both the challenges and the realities of day-to-day life. We also talk about gaming - something that continues to be a big part of Scott’s life - and how it connects people, offers escapism, and keeps friendships going even when life takes people in different directions. Alongside this, Scott discusses the fundraising work he’s currently involved in through his workplace in support of MS Awareness Week this April. If you’d like to support or learn more about what he’s doing, you can check out his fundraising page here:https://www.justgiving.com/page/scott-arbuckle?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020 A heartfelt and honest conversation about friendship, resilience, and finding ways to keep moving forward.

54 min
Mar 24

Episode 7 - 'Positivity, Motivation & Taking Steps' Feat Gordon Morris

In this episode of To 40 & Beyond, I’m joined by Dundee actor, and longtime friend, Gordon Morris for an uplifting and energising conversation. Gordon shares his journey into acting, from his early training at Dundee College through to studying at RSAMD, giving an honest insight into the path that shaped his career. We also dive into our shared experiences as actors, discussing auditions, agents, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. At the heart of this episode is Gordon’s infectious positivity. His outlook on life and work is something that truly fuels his motivation, and it’s hard not to feel inspired by it. Together, we explore how mindset can shape not only our careers, but the energy we bring into every room we walk into. This episode is all about those small but powerful shifts in thinking, from “I can’t” to “I can,” or even just “I’ll try”, and how taking those first steps, however small, can help us rediscover motivation when we feel stuck. An honest, warm, and motivating conversation about showing up, shifting perspective, and finding your way forward, one step at a time.

1h 19m
Mar 19

Episode 6 - 'Changing Perspective' Feat John Ross

Episode 6: Changing Perspective – With John Ross In this episode of To 40 & Beyond, I’m joined by longtime friend, dancer, choreographer, and director John Ross for a candid and thought-provoking conversation. We reflect on our time in training and explore how teaching styles have evolved over the years - particularly the increased awareness around mental health in education today. We discuss both the positives and the challenges that come with this shift, and what it means for the next generation of performers. We also dive into the realities of working as creatives, sharing honest insights into navigating an ever-changing industry. John opens up about his own podcast, For Griefness Sake, sparking a deeper conversation about the many ways we experience loss - whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a chapter of life, or even our youth. Together, we explore how these experiences shape us and the importance of acknowledging them without letting them hold us back. At the heart of this episode is the idea of Changing Perspective - learning how to shift the way we think about life’s challenges so they can move us forward, rather than keep us stuck. A reflective, honest, and uplifting conversation about growth, resilience, and seeing things differently.

1h 3m
Jan 8

Episode 5 - Looking Forward

Recorded on the eve of turning 40, this episode is a moment of honest reflection on time, identity, and growth. It’s not about regret or resolutions - it’s about permission. Permission to slow down, to change direction, and to step into a new chapter without pressure. Through personal reflection and spoken word, this episode explores ageing, self-discovery, creativity, and what it really means to move forward in midlife - with curiosity instead of fear. A reflective podcast episode about turning 40, personal growth, letting go of expectations, and choosing what comes next.

4 min
12/23/2025

Episode 4 - 'Swearing and Caring' feat Lynne Cambell

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Lynne, a local performer and sea shanty singer, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about parenthood, creativity, and mental health. We talk about the challenge of shaping ourselves as parents — learning what to carry forward from our own upbringing, and what to leave behind. Lynne shares her experience of being made redundant, and how that difficult moment ultimately gave her the space to grow into herself and pursue work that genuinely brings her joy. Our conversation is blunt, open, and rooted in trust. We discuss our shared experiences of suicidal thoughts, the important difference between thoughts and desires, and why communication - with others and with ourselves - is vital for maintaining a healthy state of mind. We also talk about Lynne’s performances at the Dundee Hooley and her show Sexy as Folk at the Dundee Fringe, and what performing means when life offstage is anything but simple. Honest, compassionate, and unfiltered - this is a conversation about caring for yourself while learning how to care for others. Content note: This episode includes discussion of mental health and suicidal thoughts.

58 min
12/15/2025

Episode 3 - 'Life on Hard Mode' feat Calum Lynn Dwyer

Episode 3 - Life on Hard Mode I’m joined by Calum Lynn Dwyer, a writer, director, and actor from Dundee, for a candid conversation about life, creativity, and parenthood. We talk about our shared background studying acting at Dundee College (different years), the pressures of working in the creative sector, and how careers built on uncertainty can heighten stress and anxiety. We also speak openly about our personal experiences with depression and anxiety, and the challenge of staying creative while managing family life. This episode is honest, reflective, and grounded in real experience - for anyone trying to keep going when life doesn’t come with an easy setting. Content note: This episode includes discussion of mental health, including depression and anxiety. Music by CocosMusic from Pixabay

1h 2m
09/21/2025

Episode 2 - Introduction

In this raw and deeply personal episode, Grant opens up for the first time about his journey with mental health, self-discovery, and the events that led him to the microphone. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of 2019, including his film debut, wedding, and the silent struggle that nearly consumed him, all while hiding in plain sight. What begins as an introduction turns into something more honest and revealing: a story about trauma, therapy, medication, and the lifelong search for identity and belonging. This episode is a dedication to two childhood friends. James and Gillian, whose presence and absence shaped a lifelong narrative of connection, loss, and healing. “Today might not be a good day… but tomorrow might be. And you have to be here to find that out.” If you're struggling, you're not alone. Help is out there. Topics Covered: Grant’s background and creative work The impact of unresolved childhood grief Early signs of depression and anxiety Mental health stigma and coping mechanisms Medication, therapy, and recovery Rediscovering identity in your 30s A heartfelt dedication to James and Gillian Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of depression, suicidal thoughts, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a support line in your area. Music by: Dmytro Kuvalin from Pixabay

14 min
09/09/2025

Episode 1 - One Day

On this episode, I take the opportunity to express some thoughts and feelings I've had for a while as I come to grips with the reality of adulthood, parenthood, and the messy balance between responsibility and personal identity. It’s a candid reflection on where I’ve been, what I’m still figuring out, and how I’m preparing myself for the next chapter, as I journey to 40 & beyond.

6 min

8 Episodes

To 40 & Beyond is a personal and creative podcast about life, parenthood, and the pursuit of art, all on the edge of 40 (and whatever comes next). Join Grant R Keelan, actor, photographer, filmmaker, and parent, as he shares honest reflections on mental health, identity, and the chaos of raising a kid while staying creative. Funny, raw, and evolving. This isn’t a midlife crisis. It’s a midlife take… maybe a little crisis.

Creator

Grant R. Keelan
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Grant R. Keelan
Show Website

To 40 & Beyond