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. Sep 1

    Defying Limits: Reinvention, Resilience, and Purpose with Mike Bolland

    In this episode of NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention, Eric Cooter sits down with Mike Bolland — motivational speaker, cancer survivor, nonprofit founder, stand-up comedian, inventor, and host of the We’re Not Stumpedpodcast — whose life is a powerful example of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. Born without his right hand, Mike has spent his life defying expectations. From becoming the first one-handed bowler to compete in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), to leading digital innovation in the corporate world, to surviving cancer and founding a nonprofit that helps amputees access prosthetics, Mike’s story is one of continual reinvention. His journey reminds us that limits are often assumptions — and that purpose can emerge from the very challenges we once wished away. In this conversation, we explore: • Growing up with limb difference and building resilience early • Breaking barriers in professional sports • Reinventing identity beyond athletic achievement • Surviving cancer and redefining purpose • Advocacy, comedy, and creativity as tools for empowerment • Why reinvention is not a moment — but a lifelong mindset 🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/ntlpodcast_reinvent 🤝 Visit Mike's Media and Podcast: https://mikebolland.com Mike's Story: https://youtu.be/XZpxatmM6_g?si=PV8wXuGgK660vZNH YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/officialmikebolland Trial of Billy Jack Movie Character: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur9jFj_dhjU    If you’re navigating change, facing limitations, or wondering whether it’s too late to pursue something meaningful, Mike’s story offers a clear reminder: resilience is built, purpose evolves, and it’s never too late to live beyond the limits placed on you.

    Defying Limits: Reinvention, Resilience, and Purpose with Mike Bolland

  2. Aug 1

    Reinvention After Illness and Loss with Risa August

    In this episode of NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention, author Risa August shares a powerful story of reinvention after illness, loss, and identity upheaval. Following a rare pituitary disease diagnosis, brain surgery, and the collapse of her eighteen-year marriage, Risa embarked on a six-week bicycle journey from Canada to Mexico — a journey that became both a physical challenge and a profound act of self-discovery.In this conversation, we explore:• Reinventing identity after serious illness and brain surgery• Letting go of who you were to become who you’re meant to be• Grief, resilience, and living in a changed body• The healing power of movement, meaning, and story• Why limits don’t have to define the life you’re capable of living🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/ntlpodcast_reinvent🤝 Join the NTL Community: https://www.ericcooter.com/group/ntl-community-stories-of-reinventionConnect with Risa:• Website: https://www.risaaugust.com• TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/lK9SITnpvcA?si=3ImFnIFx3EaWb8MA• Purchase Risa's Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CM9SGLKH?ingress=0&visitId=3927b6b4-0093-4e93-96f9-4df5922a16d8&ccs_id=85904d1e-3468-4f1d-8693-0d24406cdc87• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/?hl=en• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risa.august.unleashed

    Reinvention After Illness and Loss with Risa August

  3. Jul 1

    When the Story Chooses You: Reinvention Through Creativity, Calling, and Courage - R.A. Bellson

    In this episode of NTL: Never Too Late — Real Stories of Re-invention, Eric Cooter sits down with R. A. Bellson — Brooklyn-born storyteller, award-winning videographer, professional singer and pianist, historic preservation advocate, and author of the Charcoal the Elf fantasy trilogy. 🎧 Listen to the podcast:⁠https://linktr.ee/ntlpodcast_reinvent⁠ 🤝 Join the NTL Community:⁠https://www.ericcooter.com/group/ntl-community-stories-of-reinvention⁠ What began as a creative charity project during the isolation of COVID unexpectedly became a powerful reinvention later in life. As R.A. shares, this was not a story he set out to write — it was a story that insisted on being told. Through fantasy, music, history, and advocacy, R.A. explores themes of otherness, intolerance, fragility, and belonging, reminding us that creativity doesn’t retire — it deepens. In this conversation, we explore:• Reinvention later in life and creative second acts• When stories choose their authors — not the other way around• Fantasy as a mirror for society and shared humanity• Retirement as creative freedom rather than closure• Storytelling as a moral, cultural, and healing force 🎧 Listen to the podcast:⁠https://linktr.ee/ntlpodcast_reinvent⁠ 🤝 Join the NTL Community:⁠https://www.ericcooter.com/group/ntl-community-stories-of-reinvention⁠ Connect with R. A. Bellson:• Website: ⁠https://www.charcoaltheelf.com⁠ • Purchase R.A.'s Book:   AMAZON: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Charcoal-Elf-Book-One-novel/dp/B0DFNMYXTR⁠ AUDIBLE: ⁠https://www.audible.com/search?searchAuthor=R-A+Bellson&srsltid=AfmBOoqr_4spDs2csPDEqbsHlYPbT-eC9HzODT0kdejdB8Z6bxIwvjS9⁠ • YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/HIiotm7r1bA?si=EJjJZPcQ0cFBtvz⁠ If you’re in the later chapters of your career — or wondering whether it’s too late to say yes to a long-held creative calling — this episode offers a powerful reminder: sometimes reinvention isn’t about starting over, but finally listening.

    When the Story Chooses You: Reinvention Through Creativity, Calling, and Courage - R.A. Bellson

  4. 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

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

  5. May 5

    My Story: Rediscovering Self and 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 emphasize the 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.

    My Story: Rediscovering Self and The Cost of Navigating Life's Transitions with Fr. Eric

  6. 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

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

  7. 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

    Reinventing Life One Meal at a Time with Chef Steve Corso

  8. 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

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