NEVER TOO LATE: Stories of Re-Invention (NTL)

Eric Cooter
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to NEVER TOO LATE: Stories of Re-invention, where we share real stories of dream chasers, career changers, and people with the courage to reinvent themselves. I’m Eric Cooter, and each episode I sit down with someone who has taken a leap, discovered a new path, or found joy in the unexpected. NTL conversations are about hope, resilience, and reminding us all that it’s never too late to "chase your dreams. The podcast’s name, format, and creative concept are the intellectual property of Eric Cooter and may not be used, duplicated, or represented without written consent.

  1. Redefining Work and Purpose After 55: Scott Siff’s Journey with Pivoters

    Jun 1

    Redefining Work and Purpose After 55: Scott Siff’s Journey with Pivoters

    In this episode of NTL: Stories of Reinvention, I sit down with Scott Siff, a strategist, entrepreneur, and advocate for redefining how we think about work, age, and purpose.Scott started his first company, Quadrant Strategies, in his 50s — building a global consulting firm that works with Fortune 50 companies on their most critical challenges. Now, at 61, he’s launching a new venture called Pivoters, a job-matching platform designed specifically for people 55 and older. The idea was sparked by watching his own father struggle to find meaningful work later in life — an experience that became both personal motivation and vocational calling.🎙️In our conversation, we talk about:• Reinventing yourself at midlife and beyond• What it really takes to start something new later in life• The hidden value and untapped potential of the 55+ workforce• Why Scott rejects the term “older workers” and instead calls them Pivoters• How purpose, experience, and curiosity shape a meaningful second chapterThis is an honest, hopeful conversation about courage, legacy, and choosing to pivot with intention — even when the path forward isn’t obvious.If this episode resonated with you, I’d be honored if you’d consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who might need to hear it. These stories often reach the people who need them most when they’re shared person to person.I’ve also created a simple community space connected to the podcast — a place where listeners (and guests, if they wish) can reflect on episodes, share their own stories, and connect around seasons of reinvention, change, and becoming. You’re very welcome there in whatever way feels right — active, occasional, or simply present. __________________________________________________🎧 Listen to the podcast and join the NTL community here:https://linktr.ee/ntlpodcast_reinvent __________________________________________________Connect with Scott• Pivoters Website: http://pivoters.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-siff-5358963/• Quadrant Strategies: https://quadrantstrategies.com/team/scott-siff/• Pivoters (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinpivoters/• Pivoters (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/joinpivoters• Pivoters (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/joinpivoters/• Pivoters (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@joinpivoters#NeverTooLatePodcast, #careerchange, #ReinventionStories #LifeReinvention #DreamForward #RealStories #AviationLife #PilotStories #FlyingHigh #AviationCommunity #PilotLife #FriendshipGoals #LifeLessons #ResilienceJourney #CourageToChange #NewBeginnings #ItsNeverTooLate #KeepDreaming #PurposeDrivenLife #ChasingDreams #HopeAndResilience

    56 min
  2. Rediscovering Yourself: The Cost of Navigating Life's Transitions with Fr. Eric

    May 5

    Rediscovering Yourself: The Cost of Navigating Life's Transitions with Fr. Eric

    Summary In this episode, I share my personal journey of rediscovery, reflecting on the challenges and costs associated with pursuing dreams and navigating life transitions. I emphasizesthe importance of identity, resilience, and the spiritual journey, encouraging listeners to embrace their own paths of rediscovery and to recognize the hope that exists even in times of darkness. Takeaways • Rediscovery is a continuous journey rather than a complete reinvention, • Career changes often lead to deeper personal insights and growth. • The importance of relationships and helping others often outweighs professional achievements. • Life transitions can lead to feelings of unease and restlessness. • Pursuing dreams comes with costs that can be both emotional and practical .• Identity can shift dramatically through life experiences and career changes. • The 'dark night of the soul' is a common experience during periods of transition. • Glimpses of hope can emerge even in challenging times. • Engaging with spiritual narratives can reignite one's sense of purpose. • Sharing stories of rediscovery can foster connection and understanding among individuals.

    37 min
  3. From Survival to Service: Reinvention Through Cancer and Care (Liz Benditt)

    May 1

    From Survival to Service: Reinvention Through Cancer and Care (Liz Benditt)

    In this upcoming episode of NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention, I sit down with Liz Benditt, a senior marketing executive, six-time cancer survivor, educator, and the founder of The Balm Box — a mission-driven company born from lived experience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to dignity in care. Over the course of 15 years, Liz faced six different cancer diagnoses while continuing to build a demanding professional career, raise a family, and redefine what leadership looks like when life is anything but predictable. What began as survival slowly became something more: a calling to serve others walking the same path she knew all too well. In our conversation, we talk about: ·       How illness can interrupt — and ultimately reshape — identity and purpose ·       Balancing cancer, career, and motherhood through seasons of uncertainty ·       Seeing unmet needs from the inside and responding with empathy and action ·       Why Liz founded The Balm Box to bring thoughtful, functional self-care to cancer patients ·       Reinvention through entrepreneurship, advocacy, and teaching ·       How resilience, humor, and perspective shape a meaningful life after diagnosis This is a powerful, honest conversation about forced reinvention, courage under uncertainty, and transforming personal hardship into service for others. Liz’s story is a reminder that even in life’s most fragile seasons, something deeply meaningful can emerge. If this episode resonated with you, I’d be honored if you’d consider sharing it with someone navigating illness, change, or an unexpected turning point. These stories often reach the people who need them most when they’re shared person to person. I’ve also created a simple community space connected to the podcast — a place where listeners (and guests, if they wish) can reflect on episodes, share their own stories, and connect around seasons of reinvention, change, and becoming. You’re very welcome there in whatever way feels right — active, occasional, or simply present. 🎧 Listen to the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/ntlpodcast_reinvent 🤝 Join the NTL community here: https://www.ericcooter.com/group/ntl-community-stories-of-reinvention ·       The Balm Box: https://www.thebalmbox.com ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBalmBox ·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BalmBoxIG ·       YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheBalmBox Thank you for being part of the growing NTL community — and for helping these stories travel a little farther. — Eric Cooter NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention Connect with Liz

    1h 4m
  4. Reinventing Life One Meal at a Time with Chef Steve Corso

    Apr 1

    Reinventing Life One Meal at a Time with Chef Steve Corso

    In this episode of NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention, Eric Cooter sits down with Chef Steve Corso — classically trained chef, author, television host, and founder of Outdoor Eats — whose story proves that sometimes the most powerful reinvention happens when you trade the boardroom for the backcountry.After more than 20 years building a prestigious culinary career — from classical training at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and Northern Italy, to developing products as a research chef and training culinary staff for Starbucks worldwide — Steve had mastered his craft. But something was missing. It took one backpacking trip into Washington State's Enchantments wilderness, cooking Tom Yum noodle bowls and chicken fajitas under an open sky, to ask a question that would change everything: Why does the food have to be bad out here? The answer launched a movement.Today, Outdoor Eats is home to 300+ trail-tested recipes, a cookbook series with over 30,000 copies sold, and a nationally airing TV show on PBS, Outside TV, and FanDuel Sports — taking audiences from alpine fondue in Switzerland to solo hikes in the Smokies and beyond.In this conversation, we explore:• Growing up with food and training as a classical chef• Building a high-achieving corporate culinary career — and what was quietly missing• The backpacking trip that sparked an entirely new calling• Leaving the stability of corporate life to bet on himself• Building Outdoor Eats from scratch — cookbooks, YouTube, TV, and a global community• Why food is the missing piece of every great outdoor adventure• The philosophy of "blue sky time" and what the trail teaches about creativity and presence• What he'd tell anyone scared to leave a successful career for something that truly lights them up🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/ntlpodcast_reinvent🤝 Connect with Chef Steve: Website: https://outdooreats.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdooreats365/YouTube: Chef Corso | Substack: Chef Corso | TikTok: outdooreats365🛒 Use code NTL15 for 15% off anything in the Outdoor Eats shop at outdooreats.comIf you've ever built something successful and still felt the pull toward something more — something that actually lights you up — Chef Steve Corso's story is your reminder that the leap is worth it. The best adventures, in the outdoors and in life, often begin with one unexpected trip and a single bold question. And it's never too late to ask it.#NeverTooLatePodcast, #careerchange, #ReinventionStories #LifeReinvention #DreamForward #RealStories #AviationLife #PilotStories #FlyingHigh #AviationCommunity #PilotLife #FriendshipGoals #LifeLessons #ResilienceJourney #CourageToChange #NewBeginnings #ItsNeverTooLate #KeepDreaming #PurposeDrivenLife #ChasingDreams #HopeAndResilience

    56 min
  5. How Mark Astor Turned Career Change into a Mission of Leadership and Purpose

    Mar 1

    How Mark Astor Turned Career Change into a Mission of Leadership and Purpose

    "Time is going either way, so do it anyway!" This week, I sit down with Mark Astor — attorney, founder of a unique law firm, and a fierce advocate for families navigating mental health and addiction crises. Mark’s journey from burnout to purpose-driven work is powerful, personal, and a masterclass in what it means to reinvent not just a career, but a calling. His advocacy, his heart for families, and his vision for transforming the legal response to addiction is genuinely inspiring.Learn more about Mark here: https://mentalhealthaddictionlawfirm.com/about-mark-astor/🎧 Listen to Mark’s episode here:• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/never-too-late-real-stories-of-re-invention/id1841411138• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0AzeRDsgXGzFEQBx2pP5U2• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeverTooLateReinvent• iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-never-too-late-real-stori-297417148• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/48007e11-9500-4c97-8fa4-2c3f9c07f4c4/never-too-late-real-stories-of-re-inventionIf Mark’s story resonates, please listen, subscribe, and share.You never know who might need to hear that it’s never too late to change your life.#NeverTooLatePodcast #MarkAstor #Reinvention #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocacy #RealStoriesOfReinvention #PodcastRelease

    51 min
  6. When Families Couldn't Be There: Hillary Kimsey on Pandemic and Purpose

    Feb 18

    When Families Couldn't Be There: Hillary Kimsey on Pandemic and Purpose

    In this rich and deeply human conversation, I’m joined by The Rev. Hillary Kimsey—Episcopal priest, spiritual guide, writer, and gentle companion to those navigating the complexities of faith and life. Hillary brings a refreshing blend of candor, humor, and contemplative insight as we explore what it means to remain awake to the truth of our lives, especially when the path gets muddy. We talk about spiritual direction as a space for honesty, the gift of asking better questions, and how grief, doubt, and joy all become teachers when we learn to listen. Hillary shares her own story with humility and clarity, offering wisdom for anyone feeling unmoored, in transition, or seeking a more authentic relationship with God, themselves, and others. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold your spiritual life with more grace, integrity, and compassion, Hillary’s voice will feel like a steadying hand.   Key Themes: What spiritual direction really offers (and what it doesn’t)Navigating seasons of deconstruction and reconstructionListening to the body, intuition, and spiritThe courage of honest questionsHow healing often arrives slowly—and unexpectedlyA grounding, tender, and beautifully insightful episode that will stay with you.   The Rev Hillary's Links:   https://saintantonys.com/home/clergy/ https://www.youtube.com/@vicarstantonys2950 https://www.instagram.com/motherhillary LINKS iTunes    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/never-too-late-real-stories-of-re-invention/id1841411138 Spotify   https://open.spotify.com/show/0AzeRDsgXGzFEQBx2pP5U2 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@NeverTooLateReinvent IHeart     https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-never-too-late-real-stori-297417148 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/48007e11-9500-4c97-8fa4-2c3f9c07f4c4/never-too-late-real-stories-of-re-invention #NeverTooLatePodcast,  #ReinventionStories, #LifeReinvention, #DreamForward,#RealStories, #AviationLife, #PilotStories, #FlyingHigh, #AviationCommunity, #PilotLife, #FriendshipGoals, #LifeLessons, #ResilienceJourney, #CourageToChange, #NewBeginnings, #ItsNeverTooLate, #KeepDreaming, #PurposeDrivenLife, #ChasingDreams,#HopeAndResilience,

    1h 9m
  7. From Setbacks to Second Acts: How Monica Ricci Built a New Path with Purpose

    Feb 4

    From Setbacks to Second Acts: How Monica Ricci Built a New Path with Purpose

    “Letting Go to Live Forward: A Conversation with Monica Ricci” In this episode, I sit down with Monica Ricci—speaker, coach, and longtime guide in the world of simplicity and intentional living—to explore what it really means to let go so we can move forward with clarity and joy. Monica goes far beyond decluttering. She invites us into the deeper work: releasing old narratives, shifting internal limits, and choosing new patterns that align with the life we actually want to live. With her trademark humor, candor, and warmth, Monica offers practical wisdom for navigating change, creating spaciousness, and cultivating a life of meaning rather than accumulation. Whether you're standing at a crossroads, feeling weighed down, or simply hungry for a more intentional way to live, this conversation will give you tools—and courage—to step into what’s next. Key Themes: Why letting go is an internal, not just external, practiceHow our stories shape our sense of possibilityHow small shifts open big doorsThe emotional and spiritual side of declutteringCreating a life rooted in values, not volumeA rich, energizing, deeply human conversation. You’ll walk away lighter. VISIT MONICA's Website: https://monicaricci.net   LINKS iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/never-too-late-real-stories-of-re-invention/id1841411138 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0AzeRDsgXGzFEQBx2pP5U2 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@NeverTooLateReinvent #MeaningfulLife #LettingGo #NavigateChange #SelfCompassion #FlawedHuman #LifeLessons #ReelsOfInstagram

    1h 11m
  8. Finding Clarity and Purpose After Career Burnout — Susan Robbins’ Reinvention Journey

    Jan 21

    Finding Clarity and Purpose After Career Burnout — Susan Robbins’ Reinvention Journey

    What if your greatest health struggle became your calling?Former law enforcement officer Susan Robbins faced chronic illness that turned her world upside down — until she discovered the science of epigenetics. Now, she helps others unlock their body’s wisdom and rewrite the story of their health and purpose.💡 Healing from the inside out🌱 The magnitude of epigenetics💪 Why it’s never too late to thrive🔗 Connect with Susan Robbins:Website: healthyawakening.coPodcast: Everyday EpigeneticsFree Ebook: Personalized Health GuideInstagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoachFacebook: Healthy Awakening🎧 Listen now on Never Too Late: Stories of Reinvention with Eric Cooter.iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/never-too-late-real-stories-of-re-invention/id1841411138Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0AzeRDsgXGzFEQBx2pP5U2 IHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-never-too-late-real-stori-297417148YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@NeverTooLateReinventAmazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/48007e11-9500-4c97-8fa4-2c3f9c07f4c4/never-too-late-real-stories-of-re-invention#NeverTooLatePodcast, #ReinventionStories,#LifeReinvention,#DreamForward,#RealStories,#AviationLife,#PilotStories,#FlyingHigh,#AviationCommunity,#PilotLife,#FriendshipGoals,#LifeLessons,#ResilienceJourney,#CourageToChange,#NewBeginnings,#ItsNeverTooLate,#KeepDreaming,#PurposeDrivenLife,#ChasingDreams,#HopeAndResilience,

    1h 27m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to NEVER TOO LATE: Stories of Re-invention, where we share real stories of dream chasers, career changers, and people with the courage to reinvent themselves. I’m Eric Cooter, and each episode I sit down with someone who has taken a leap, discovered a new path, or found joy in the unexpected. NTL conversations are about hope, resilience, and reminding us all that it’s never too late to "chase your dreams. The podcast’s name, format, and creative concept are the intellectual property of Eric Cooter and may not be used, duplicated, or represented without written consent.

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