RenewHer

Genell Lemley
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

RenewHer is a podcast dedicated to empowering women over 50 to embrace bold new challenges and cultivate a mindset focused on growth and resilience. You’ll hear inspiring stories of women who have stepped beyond their comfort zones, and gain practical brain health strategies to sharpen focus, boost energy, and build resilience. If you’re ready to grow, stretch, and rediscover what’s possible, RenewHer will guide you every step of the way.

  1. MAY 6

    14 | What Grief Does to Your Brain | The Mind That Remembers Loss

    Grief is often thought of as something purely emotional. But what if it’s more than that? In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the 15-year anniversary of my husband John’s passing—and explore what I’ve come to understand about how grief truly lives in the brain. From the unexpected waves of emotion to the brain fog, memory triggers, and sense of disorientation, there is a neurological reason behind so much of what we experience in grief. This episode is both a personal story and a deeper look at the science behind loss—offering insight, understanding, and hope for anyone navigating grief in any form. What You’ll Learn ➡️ Why grief is not just emotional—but neurological and physiological ➡️ How the brain’s attachment system responds to loss ➡️ What’s happening in the brain when grief feels sudden or unpredictable ➡️ The role of memory and emotional triggers in grief ➡️ How stress hormones impact your brain and body during loss ➡️ Why grief can affect focus, clarity, and decision-making ➡️ The impact of cumulative grief on the brain ➡️ How identity shifts after loss—and why that can feel so disorienting ➡️ The role of neuroplasticity in healing and integration ➡️ Why grief doesn’t go away—but can change over time Key Takeaways Grief is not something you “get over.” It’s something your brain works through. The waves you feel are not random. They are rooted in memory, attachment, and emotional processing. What you may have once interpreted as weakness… is often your brain under strain. And while grief changes you— your brain also has the capacity to adapt, rewire, and heal. A Personal Note This episode includes a deeply personal reflection on love, loss, and what it means to carry someone with you long after they’re gone. If you are navigating grief—whether recent or long ago—this conversation is meant to offer both understanding and reassurance: You are not broken. You are processing. Share the Episode If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need it. Because understanding what’s happening in the brain can change how we experience—and support ourselves through—grief. 00:00 Highlight Clip 00:34 Welcome & What to Expect 01:49 Grief Doesn’t Follow a Straight Line 02:36 Your Body Remembers 05:03 The Neuroscience - Grief Is a Full-Body, Full-Brain Experience 10:05 Your Brain Is Not Fixed in Brief 11:36 My Personal Reflection on My Husband’s Passing 1 3:57 How to Support Your Brain Through Grief 15:12 Closing and Next Steps How to Connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters.Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeSubscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Check out my website.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/Email: genell@renewherwellness.comAnd if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to RenewHer Podcast for more episodes on midlife reinvention, leadership, and brain health for women 50+.

    16 min

  2. APR 22

    13 | Worried About Memory Loss? Start Here.

    What if the thing you fear most about aging… isn’t aging at all—but losing your mind?For many high-achieving women, that quiet concern about memory, clarity, and staying sharp is always there—especially if you’ve seen a parent or loved one experience cognitive decline.But here’s the truth: cognitive decline is not inevitable.In this episode of RenewHer, we explore a more empowering way to think about brain health—one that moves away from fear and toward action. You’ll learn why your brain thrives on a multidisciplinary approach, and how small, consistent lifestyle shifts can support how your brain functions today—and in the years ahead.This isn’t about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about understanding what matters—and starting with one simple step.In this episode, we cover:➡️ Why cognitive decline is common—but not something you have to accept ➡️ The difference between normal memory changes and signals your brain may be under-supported ➡️ How factors like sleep, stress, nutrition, and movement impact brain function ➡️ Why brain health requires a multidisciplinary approach, not a single solution ➡️ The concepts of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis—and why your brain can change at any age ➡️ Everyday habits that may be helping—or hurting—your brain without you realizing itThe 5 RenewHer Pillars for Brain HealthIn this episode, I walk through five core pillars from the RenewHer Framework and how each supports your brain.Move – Increase blood flow, oxygen, and overall brain functionNourish – Fuel your brain with the nutrients it needs to performRelax – Reduce chronic stress and support mental clarityRest – Improve sleep to allow your brain to repair and resetDiscover – Keep your brain engaged through learning and new experiencesSimple ways to get startedYou don’t need to do everything at once.Start small. Take a short walk each day Add more whole, nutrient-dense foods to your meals Build in a few minutes of intentional stillness Set a consistent bedtime Try something new to challenge your brain Small changes, done consistently, create meaningful results over time.Final thoughtYour brain is not something to fear—it’s something to care for. And when you do, you’re not just preventing decline… you’re enhancing how you live right now—with more clarity, energy, and confidence.00:00 Highlight Clip 00:35 The Quiet Fear of Cognitive Decline 01:08 Cognitive Decline Is Not Inevitable 03:20 A Multidisciplinary Approach 04:38 Memory Lapses: What They May Really Mean 05:42 Your Brain Can Change 09:07 The 5 Pillars of Brain Health - Actions You Can Take 14:21 Start Small, Stay Consistent 16:23 ClosingHow to connect with GenellSubscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters.Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeSubscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Check out my website.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/Email: genell@renewherwellness.comAnd if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to RenewHer Podcast for more episodes on midlife reinvention, leadership, and brain health for women 50+.

    17 min
  3. 12 | The Weight of What We Keep

    APR 9

    12 | The Weight of What We Keep

    What starts as spring cleaning… can turn into something much deeper. In this episode of RenewHer, I take you inside a very personal process of sorting through years of memories—boxes filled not just with “stuff,” but with pieces of lives, stories, and moments that once meant everything to someone.As I worked through photos, letters, and memorabilia, I found myself facing a question I think many of us quietly carry: How do you let go of something that once mattered? But what surprised me most wasn’t just the emotional side of this experience—it was how much lighter, clearer, and calmer I began to feel.In this episode, I share what this process brought up for me, and why clearing your physical space can have such a powerful impact on your brain. You’ll learn how clutter affects your mental energy, why unfinished spaces create stress loops in the brain, and how letting go—intentionally—can create more clarity, calm, and control in your life.If you’ve ever felt weighed down by what you’re holding onto… this conversation will resonate.🎧 Tune in to explore:➡️ Why clutter creates cognitive overload and decision fatigue➡️ How your brain holds onto “unfinished” spaces as open loops➡️ The emotional connection between memory and the brain➡️ Why letting go isn’t about losing memories➡️ How clearing your space can create more calm, clarity, and control➡️ This isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about renewing.00:00 Highlight Clip 00:38 Welcome 01:05 More Than Just Spring Cleaning 02:23 When Letting Go Feels Like Losing Something 04:36 The Moment That Stopped Me in My Tracks 05:32 From Holding On to Letting Go 08:12 Why Clearing Space Feels So Good 08:52 What Clutter Is Doing to Your Brain 14:05 Creating Space for What Matters 15:55 ClosingHow to connect with GenellSubscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters.Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeSubscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Check out my website.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/Email: genell@renewherwellness.comAnd if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to RenewHer Podcast for more episodes on midlife reinvention, leadership, and brain health for women 50+.

    17 min

  4. MAR 25

    11 |The Risk Isn’t Change—It’s Staying Stuck

    What if the real risk isn’t making a change… but staying exactly where you are?   In this episode of RenewHer, we explore a powerful reframe: the very thing that feels uncomfortable—stepping into something new—is often exactly what your brain needs to stay sharp, resilient, and engaged.   Because when you understand how your brain works, everything shifts.   That hesitation you feel when considering something new? That discomfort? That self-doubt? I   It’s not a sign to stop. It’s a sign your brain is being challenged in the best possible way.   In this episode, I share my own journey of stepping away from the corporate world and building RenewHer Wellness—and how that process pushed me into the “messy middle” where real growth happens.   We’ll also break down the science behind why change is so powerful for your brain, including neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and the role of purpose in keeping your mind strong as you age.   If you’ve been feeling stuck, uncertain, or questioning whether it’s too late to try something new, this episode will give you a completely different way to think about what’s possible. Because you’re not done growing. And your brain isn’t done changing.   In this episode, we cover: ➡️ Why feeling uncomfortable is often a sign of brain growth—not a warning sign ➡️ The “messy middle” and why it’s a critical part of change ➡️ How neuroplasticity allows your brain to adapt and rewire at any age ➡️ What neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve are—and why they matter more than ever after 50 ➡️ Why staying in routine may be limiting your brain more than helping it ➡️ The connection between purpose, motivation, and brain health ➡️ Simple ways to support your brain if you’re navigating a transition   If this conversation sparked something in you, don’t ignore it. That curiosity… that pull toward something more… may be exactly what your brain is asking for.   00:00  Highlight Clip – Why Brain Health Matters For A Pivot00.41  Welcome To Renewher After 5001:06  Why Pivots And Brain Health Are Connected03:43  My Experience Building Renewher Wellness06:59  How Change Builds A Stronger, More Resilient Brain10:07  Brain Health Habits To Support Pivots12:10  The Power Of Purpose And Reflection14:05  Embracing Growth: Overcoming Doubt And Fear16:14  Closing Thoughts And Next Steps   Ready to strengthen your brain and step into what’s next? Schedule a free 15-minute Discovery Sessionwith me. We’ll talk about how you can improve clarity, build resilience, and confidently take your next bold step.   How to connect with Genell Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters.Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeSubscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Check out my website.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/Email: genell@renewherwellness.com   And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to RenewHer Podcast for more episodes on midlife reinvention, leadership, and brain health for women 50+.

    17 min
  5. 10 | When Success Becomes Too Costly

    MAR 11

    10 | When Success Becomes Too Costly

    In this episode of the RenewHer Podcast, I sit down with Julie Cober — executive leadership coach, former corporate CHRO, bestselling author, and founder of the Legacy Leadership Academy. After nearly three decades in senior HR roles, Julie realized that while she loved helping others, the corporate environment was no longer the right container for her. Feeling out of alignment, combined with stress-related health issues and her husband’s cancer diagnosis, she made the courageous decision to leave corporate life at 52 and embrace a bold second act. Julie now helps high-performing women redefine success, build careers and businesses that light them up, and navigate midlife transitions with courage and clarity. She shares insights on coaching, mindset shifts, identity, and the “be, do, have” approach that accelerates growth. Julie reframes reinvention as remembering your true self and offers practical guidance for women ready to trust themselves, create change, and transform their lives. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why engaging a coach early can transform your transition, and how to choose the right one How midlife can be a powerful season for purpose, alignment, and self-expression The “be, do, have” mindset and how being the person you want to be first drives results Why reinvention is often remembering who you truly are How inner work and alignment positively impact relationships, career, and life Practical steps for navigating fear, doubt, and the inner critic during change The importance of support, reflection, and intentionality in creating sustainable transformation If you’re contemplating a career pivot, navigating stress, or ready to create a life that truly fits who you are, this conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and actionable guidance. 0:00 - Introduction 0:54 - Meet Julie Cober 4:37 - The Perfect Corporate Trajectory 8:41 - The Hidden Cost of Success 16:37 - 2009: When Everything Changed 25:43 - The Panic Attack 30:50 - The Breaking Point 37:54 - Planning the Exit Strategy 44:23 - First Year Identity Crisis 49:43 - Why Midlife Women Are Waking Up 53:43 - The Be-Do-Have Leadership Model 58:03 - Remembering Who You Are 1:01:07 - Advice for Women Feeling Trapped 1:05:00 - How to Connect with JulieConnect with Julie CoberWebsite / Coaching: https://www.juliecober.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecober/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.cober.5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliecobercoaching/Newsletter: https://www.juliecober.com  Connect with GenellSubscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeSubscribe to my YouTube channel RenewHer with Genell  Check out my website.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genelllemley/Email: genell@renewherwellness.com And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to RenewHer Podcast for more episodes on midlife reinvention, leadership, and brain health for women 50+.

    1h 6m
  6. 09 | Stronger With Age: Why Your 50s Are a Launchpad

    FEB 25

    09 | Stronger With Age: Why Your 50s Are a Launchpad

    What does it mean to truly live at your prime — not at 25, but at 50+? In this episode of RenewHer, I sit down with Giselle Carson — corporate immigration attorney, two-time immigrant, five-time Ironman, 29-time marathoner, ultra-marathoner, author, and lifelong student of growth. But this conversation isn’t about credentials. It’s about endurance — in life, in reinvention, and in becoming. Giselle immigrated from Cuba to Canada at 15 without speaking the language, leaving her family and everything familiar behind. She later immigrated again — this time to the United States — rebuilding her identity, career, and future once more. Along the way, she transitioned from physical therapy to law, built a nationally respected corporate immigration practice from the ground up, and discovered endurance athletics in adulthood. What stands out most isn’t the medals or finish lines. It’s her mindset. We talk about: ✅ Reinventing yourself more than once ✅ The discipline that creates freedom ✅Training your mind to stay calm in uncertainty ✅ What endurance sports teach us about leadership and life ✅ Competing against yourself instead of others ✅ Fear — and what’s waiting on the other side of it ✅Why she believes she is just getting started in her 50s Giselle shares the story of running an ultra-marathon in the rain, starting last at the starting line, and finishing in a state of flow — not because conditions were perfect, but because she had trained her mind to stay steady. Her message is simple and powerful: Growth doesn’t stop at midlife. It accelerates — if you let it. If you’ve ever wondered whether your biggest chapter might still be ahead of you… this episode will remind you that expansion is always available. You are not behind. You are becoming. 00:00 Highlight Clip 00:31 Welcome to Renew Her + What You’ll Get From This Show 00:51 Meet Giselle Carson: Immigration Attorney, Endurance Athlete, Author 04:56 Giselle’s Origin Immigration Story: From Cuba to Canada as a Teen 06:38 Reinvention & Growth: Languages, Citizenship, and Becoming a Lawyer 08:16 Fear, Discomfort, and the “We’re Meant to Grow” Mindset 10:28 Career Evolution: From PT to Litigation to Corporate Immigration 16:50 How Endurance Entered Her Life: From 5Ks to Boston Marathon 20:58 Ironman Training: Structure, Discipline, and Freedom Through Planning 25:07 Ultra Marathon Comeback: The Guana 50K in the Rain 28:30 Race-Day Mindset: Your Plan, Your Pace, Your Flow State 32:37 Community Mindset That Carries Into Life 34:22 Prime in Midlife: New Goals, Marathons, and Writing the Next Chapter 36:27 Tackling a Technical Trail: Training, Uncertainty, and Building Confidence 40:09 Fear & Resistance: How to Start, Build Habits, and Lean on Community 43:43 Ultra Lessons for Work & Life: Systems, Resets, Pivots, and Mile-by-Mile Focus 47:55 Making Time: What to Let Go of to Protect Your Energy 52:20 58 and Still Expanding: The Comfort Crisis, Discomfort, and Reinvention 57:27 Pick One Goal & Keep Evolving: Community, Mindset, and What’s Possible 59:18 Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect: LinkedIn, Show Notes, and Final Send-Off 01:02 Final Outro: Take the Next Small Step and Join the Renew Her Community How to connect with Giselle Carson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellecarsonimmigration YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTPgPK7-m0RMXdDEbAWXffQ Website: https://marksgray.com/practices/us-immigration-corporate-and-compliance/ Newsletter: Corporate Immigration and Compliance with Giselle Carson, Esquire Giselle's book: The Corporate Immigration Advantage: How to Hire, Retain and Thrive with Global Talent in a Competitive World Books Giselle referenced: The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield Turning Pro, by Steven Pressfield Comfort Zone, by Michael Eastern Genell's Resources Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeCheck out my website

    1h 3m
  7. 8 | Your Unlived Life Is Waiting for You

    FEB 11

    8 | Your Unlived Life Is Waiting for You

    What happens when life looks successful on the outside — but something inside feels unfinished? In this episode of RenewHer, Genell Lemley sits down with Cathryn Baker, a former founder who built and sold two multimillion-dollar companies and then, unexpectedly, found herself bored, disconnected from her confidence, and quietly questioning what was next. At 67, Cathryn made a bold decision to begin again — launching a coaching business, moving to rural Texas, and listening to a message she couldn’t ignore: your unlived life is waiting for you. This conversation is an honest, grounded exploration of intuition, identity, confidence, and what it really means to start a new chapter later in life — without burning everything down or pretending fear doesn’t exist. In this episode, you'll hear about: What it feels like when success no longer brings fulfillment — and why that misalignment can sneak up quietly How confidence can erode after selling a company and stepping out of an identity you’ve held for decades The surprising moment that sparked Cathryn’s third act — and why she paid attention to it Why boredom, fear, and guilt often show up right before meaningful change The difference between “reinventing” yourself and reawakening parts of who you already are What starting a business at 67 actually looks like — including self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and courage in action How intuition, routine, connection, and support make big transitions sustainable The three-step framework Cathryn uses to help women move toward what’s next: recognizing opportunity, understanding what holds you back, and taking action   00:00  Your Unlived Life Is Waiting for You00:27  Welcome to RenewHer01:13  Meet Cathryn Baker: A Third Act Begins03:39  Starting a Business at 29 With No Safety Net07:06  When Success Turns Into Boredom — and Lost Confidence10:08  The Text That Changed Everything15:45  Why Coaching Became the Next Chapter22:00  Choosing to Stay When It Gets Uncomfortable36:40  Rejuvenation, Not Reinvention38:58  Advice for the Woman Standing at the Edge of Change43.28  Final Reflections & Closing Resources  Subscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeCheck out my website. How to connect with Cathryn BakerLinkedIncbaker@thinkavanzara.comWebsite

    46 min
  8. 7 | Still Becoming: What the Mountain Revealed After the Climb

    JAN 28

    7 | Still Becoming: What the Mountain Revealed After the Climb

    In this final episode of a two-part series, I share the soul of my 29029 Everesting experience.   Part one was about the physical and mental challenge. This episode is about what happened afterward — when the noise faded, the body rested, and something quieter but deeper emerged.   This isn’t a story about climbing a mountain. It’s about identity, connection, gratitude, and what becomes possible when you say yes to a challenge that changes you from the inside out.   In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why the deepest realization didn’t happen at the finish line How identity shifts before the goal is reached The role of connection and community in resilience and brain health Rewriting stories about age, strength, and what’s possible What it means to still be becoming   TiIMESTAMPS00:00 Highlight: The Power You’ve Underrated 00:22 Welcome to RenewHer 00:56 The Inner Climb Begins 02:08 When the Noise Faded 04:06 The Soul Work of Connection 05:23 From Proving to Expanding 06:49 Rewriting the Story 08:21 Sacred Moments on the Mountain 09:04 Still Becoming 09:50 What I Carried Home 10:25 Your Mountain Is Calling 11:01 What’s Coming Next 111:36 Thank You for ListeningRESOURCESSubscribe to my newsletter Mind Matters. Schedule a free Discovery Session with me.Get my free guide: Fog to Focus: 4 Proven Brain Habits to Reclaim Your Mental EdgeCheck out my website.

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

RenewHer is a podcast dedicated to empowering women over 50 to embrace bold new challenges and cultivate a mindset focused on growth and resilience. You’ll hear inspiring stories of women who have stepped beyond their comfort zones, and gain practical brain health strategies to sharpen focus, boost energy, and build resilience. If you’re ready to grow, stretch, and rediscover what’s possible, RenewHer will guide you every step of the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Genell Lemley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Genell Lemley / RenewHer Wellness, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    RenewHer

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