Over 50 Shades of GREAT

with Deborah Read

Over 50 Shades of Great is a community for women navigating reinvention, relationships, purpose, and wellbeing in midlife and beyond. Hosted by longtime television producer and first-time mom at 53, Deborah Read, the show features honest conversations about aging, dating later in life, career pivots, motherhood on a different timeline, beauty, and vitality. Each episode explores how to thrive after 50 offering inspiration, perspective, and real-life stories of transformation. Because life isn’t black and white — there are a million shades of GREAT in between.

  1. 2d ago

    Why Your Career Path Doesn't Have to Be a Straight Line

    What happens when the career you imagined takes a completely different path? Actress, filmmaker, and AFI educator Leonora Pitts joins Deborah Read on Over 50 Shades of Great for an honest, funny conversation about midlife reinvention, women in Hollywood, and creating your own opportunities. Leonora opens up about rejection, imposter syndrome, motherhood, and the community that helps her keep going. From a spectacular Broadway audition disaster to an unexpected invitation to teach at the American Film Institute, her story is a reminder that a setback doesn’t have to be the end of your creative life. We also go behind the scenes of I Hate Myself and Want to Die, the dark comedy she produced and appears in, written and directed by Jay Davis. Leonora shares what she learns from working with Jay and Mark Duplass, how motherhood shapes her approach to producing, and why she still believes in the future of independent film. Whether you’re navigating a career change, finding your creative confidence, or wondering what comes next in midlife, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on building a meaningful life—and finding people to share it with. IN THIS EPISODE:• Career reinvention and creating opportunities in midlife• Women in film, ageism in Hollywood, and changing acting opportunities• Imposter syndrome and learning to recognize your own abilities• Independent filmmaking, producing, and working with the Duplass brothers• Motherhood, loneliness, and building a supportive community• Returning to school and finding an unexpected path to teaching at AFI• Writing, directing, and developing her feature film, Stranger Light• Self-tape auditions, AI actors, and our “Shade or Great?” game CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and meeting Leonora Pitts02:11 Behind the scenes of independent filmmaking06:56 The Duplass brothers and imposter syndrome09:23 How motherhood translates to producing14:04 Exploring the film’s dark comedy and emotional themes21:09 Hope for the future of independent cinema35:11 From New York theater to Los Angeles43:19 Creating your own work and rebuilding confidence47:56 Finding community and starting a mothers’ group49:42 Returning to school and developing Stranger Light57:29 Rejection, persistence, and the unexpected AFI opportunity1:09:15 Why showing up matters1:11:39 Shade or Great: aging, Hollywood, auditions, and AI1:23:41 Claiming her next creative chapter 💬 What opportunity are you ready to create for yourself? Tell us in the comments. 🎙️ Subscribe to Over 50 Shades of Great with Deborah Read for honest conversations about life after 50, career reinvention, relationships, creativity, and discovering what’s possible next. Content note: This conversation includes discussion of depression and suicide in connection with the film and Leonora’s personal experiences. @hatemyselffilm now available to rent on @appletv @primevideo @fandangostream and @youtube! A Written and directed by J. Davis #LeonoraPitts #Over50ShadesOfGreat #MidlifeReinvention #WomenInFilm #independentfilm #moviemaking #careeradvice #careergrowth

    Why Your Career Path Doesn't Have to Be a Straight Line

  2. Oct 7

    What Really Happens Behind The Scenes of The Bachelor (It’s Not Just Glitz!)

    Discover the reality behind Bachelor wardrobe fittings. Cary Fetman joins us to share what goes into styling for reality TV.Cary Fetman has spent decades shaping the look of Hollywood icons, from dressing Oprah in Chicago to his legendary work with Joan Rivers. We move past the glitz to discuss the intense logistics of celebrity styling, including the chaos of proposal-day heat and the reality of traveling with 21 suitcases. It is a candid look at the work that happens long before the cameras start rolling.Beyond the screen, we talk about why clothes matter for how they help someone feel secure in their own skin. Cary shares practical advice on how to cultivate confidence after 50 and offers tips to help you get out of a fashion rut. It is never too late to reinvent how you show up in the world, regardless of the trends. We explore how to build a personal style that feels authentic to who you are today.IN THIS CONVERSATION:• How Oprah became a customer at Cary’s Chicago store• Moving to Los Angeles and finding his first styling opportunity• Dressing Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lisa Kudrow, and Sting• An unforgettable afternoon with Aretha Franklin• The generosity and friendship of Joan Rivers• What really happens during a Bachelor wardrobe fitting• Why the wet driveway matters when choosing a night-one dress• Dressing for beach proposals, extreme heat, and international travel• Personal style, confidence, and getting out of a fashion rutBehind every gown is a person who wants to feel good in it. Cary explains why that has always mattered more than imposing his own vision.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction02:30 Cary’s Chicago beginnings04:53 Opening a store and meeting Oprah11:37 Leaving retail and moving to Los Angeles14:02 The Dennis Miller opportunity25:48 Celebrity styling and working with Sting30:37 VH1 Divas and Aretha Franklin37:48 How Cary met Joan Rivers42:34 The friendship behind the public persona47:26 Remembering Joan49:51 Joining The Bachelor54:38 Inside a Bachelor wardrobe fitting59:26 Wardrobe challenges audiences don’t see1:04:16 Creating The Bachelor’s glamorous look1:06:38 Dressing for proposals in extreme heat1:11:24 Travel, ballgowns, and finding the perfect staircase1:13:46 Jewelry and traveling with 21 suitcases1:16:12 Personal style and the voice in the mirror1:18:33 Fashion pet peeves and night-one dresses1:21:54 Confidence and getting out of a style rutSubscribe to Over 50 Shades of Great for honest conversations about confidence, reinvention, purpose, and the unexpected adventures life can bring.Which story surprised you most—and what would you ask The Bachelor’s stylist? Tell us in the comments.#CaryFetman #TheBachelor #Over50ShadesOfGreat

    What Really Happens Behind The Scenes of The Bachelor (It’s Not Just Glitz!)

  3. Sep 30

    Why You're Still Not Happy (And How to Fix It) with Sara Stansberry

    Are you feeling stuck in a rut and unsure of how to move forward? The moment you realize you need to change everything can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. In this video, we'll explore the signs that indicate it's time for a change and provide guidance on how to navigate this critical moment in your life. From recognizing the need for transformation to taking the first steps towards a new chapter, we'll delve into the process of reinvention and self-discovery. If you're ready to break free from the status quo and embark on a journey of growth and renewal, then this video is for you. Discover the power of transformation and learn how to turn your life around, starting from the moment you realize you need to change everything.What happens when you’ve spent years taking care of everyone else—and realize you’ve lost yourself along the way? Sara Stansberry joins Deborah Read on Over 50 Shades of Great for an honest conversation about midlife reinvention, starting over after divorce, people pleasing, motherhood, and learning to choose yourself. The creator of How to Blow Up Your Life, Sara shares the moment in her garage that made her recognize something needed to change. What followed was a years-long journey through recovery, the end of her marriage, financial upheaval, single motherhood, and rebuilding a life that felt like her own. We also talk about finding love again—and how learning to trust herself changed what she wanted from a relationship. In this episode, we explore: ⭐️ Losing your identity in motherhood and marriage ⭐️ Recognizing codependency and people pleasing ⭐️ Starting over after divorce and financial loss ⭐️ Understanding your feelings and asking for what you need ⭐️ Setting boundaries and rebuilding self-trust ⭐️ Dating in midlife and creating a healthier partnership ⭐️ Making room for joy in your next chapter Sara shares three questions she returns to: How do I feel? What do I need? Who do I want to be in this moment? If you’re navigating life after 50, questioning what comes next, or ready to reconnect with yourself, this conversation offers an honest look at what change can take. Over 50 Shades of Great is a podcast and growing community for women exploring reinvention, relationships, motherhood, and the possibilities of life after 50. Deborah is figuring out her next chapter right alongside you. Subscribe for more honest conversations about becoming who you want to be. Tell us in the comments: What is one thing you’re ready to start doing for yourself? Connect with Sara Stansberry: • Website: sarastansberry.com • Instagram: @sarastansberry • Substack: How to Blow Up Your Life • Podcast: Listen to How to Blow Up Your Life • Apple Podcasts: How to Blow Up Your Life • TikTok: @sarastansberry • Facebook: Sara Stansberry 0:00 The Concept of Creative Destruction 1:59 The Garage Door Breaking Point 6:01 Starting the Journey of Self-Exploration 10:29 Unpacking the Reality of Codependency 12:52 Trauma as a Human Experience 18:24 The Illusion of a Perfect Life 30:12 Three Simple Questions for Transformation 47:24 A Chance Encounter and a New Beginning #Over50ShadesOfGreat #MidlifeReinvention #SaraStansberry

    Why You're Still Not Happy (And How to Fix It) with Sara Stansberry

  4. Sep 23

    Building Confidence When You Don’t Have It All Figured Out

    Building confidence is a journey that many of us embark on, especially during periods of significant change such as midlife reinvention. As we navigate through life after 50, it's common to feel uncertain about our career paths, personal style, and overall sense of self-worth. However, it's precisely during these moments of uncertainty that we have the opportunity to rediscover ourselves and unlock our full potential. In this video, we'll explore the concept of confidence after 50 and how it can be cultivated, even when we don't have it all figured out. We'll discuss the importance of knowing your worth, embracing your unique style over 50, and finding fulfillment in a career change after 50. Whether you're a woman over 50 looking to reinvent yourself or simply seeking inspiration and guidance, this video is for you. With insights from experts like Ricky Hodge, we'll delve into the world of over 50 podcasting and the over 50 shades of great that await us when we choose to pursue our passions and live life to the fullest. So, join us as we explore the possibilities of life after 50 and discover the confidence that's been within us all along. What if reinvention after 50 wasn't a story you tell — but a life you actually build? In this episode of Over 50 Shades of Great, hairstylist and multi-career creator Ricky Hodge sits down with us for a funny, candid conversation about confidence after 50, career reinvention, personal style and knowing your worth. At 57, Ricky is still taking chances, embracing new opportunities and encouraging others to do the same. From inheriting a small-town motel to starting a hairstyling career in his 30s, his path is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out to move forward. We talk about the moment he stopped questioning his value, why losing clients after raising his prices gave him room to breathe, and how being yourself can become your greatest professional strength — plus vintage finds, YSL boots, bold fashion opinions and a round of Shade or Great. ⚡ In this episode: - Building confidence and embracing reinvention after 50 - Knowing your worth and protecting your time - Changing careers without having your whole life mapped out - Finding your personal style and dressing with confidence - Creating real connections beyond social media - Enjoying solo travel, solo dinners and your own company - Why Ricky believes getting older is a reason to keep trying new things Over 50 Shades of Great is a place for honest conversations about life after 50 — reinvention, relationships, confidence and what comes next. I'm figuring it out right alongside you. What's one thing you're ready to stop playing small about? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe to Over 50 Shades of Great for more conversations about creating a next chapter that feels like you. Follow Ricky for personal style, hair inspiration and candid conversations about confidence and knowing your worth. #Over50ShadesOfGreat #RickyHodge #LifeAfter50 #ReinventionAfter50 #ConfidenceAfter50 #MidlifeReinvention #KnowYourWorth #StyleOver50 • Instagram: @rickyhodge• TikTok: @rickyhodged• Website & appointments: RickyHodge.com• Shop his style: Ricky Hodge on LTK

    Building Confidence When You Don’t Have It All Figured Out

  5. Sep 16

    Dating and Finding Love After 60: The Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos on Love After Loss

    Dating after 60: Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos on finding love after loss, life after The Golden Bachelorette with Chock Chapple, and rediscovering herself beyond motherhood and caregiving.On this episode of Over 50 Shades of Great, Joan reunites with Deborah, a producer who shared her Golden Bachelorette journey, for a warm, funny, and personal conversation about what happened on camera — and what changed when the cameras stopped rolling.Joan shares how two glasses of wine inspired her Golden Bachelor application, why stepping outside her comfort zone changed her life, and how friendships with other women helped her feel seen again. She also opens up about grieving her late husband John, and the conversation that helped her understand she could honor that love while opening her heart to someone new.Plus, Joan discusses building a relationship with Chock after the finale, navigating long-distance love and family commitments, and why she doesn't want Instagram to dictate their life together.💬 Whether you're dating over 50, navigating grief, rebuilding confidence, or wondering what your next chapter looks like — this conversation is for you. IN THIS EPISODE: 🌹 Returning to dating after decades of marriage 🌹 Finding love after losing a spouse 🌹 Feeling invisible after 60 — and finding your voice again 🌹 Behind the scenes of The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette 🌹 The friendships that changed Joan's experience of midlife 🌹 Joan and Chock's private visits after filming 🌹 Balancing romance, motherhood, grandmotherhood and caregiving 🌹 Releasing fear and making room for your own next chapter #GoldenBachelorette #JoanVassos #DatingAfter60 #DatingOver50 #FindingLoveAfterLoss #GoldenBachelor #LoveAfterLoss #Widowhood #DatingAfter50 #SecondChanceAtLove Explore more: https://www.over50shadesofgreat.com/

    Dating and Finding Love After 60: The Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos on Love After Loss

  6. Sep 10

    Life After 50: Ageism, Fillers and Reinvention with Eric Stern

    Get ready for the most unfiltered conversation about life after 50. We have talk about ageism, cosmetic procedures, retirement and reinvention.From the pressures of workplace ageism to the joy of grandparenting, Eric gets real about confidence, body image, and staying engaged in a world that can be quick to overlook older people. Along the way: the state of his face after fillers, a retirement in Santa Fe that barely lasted a day, an unforgettable death doula spam call, and a rapid-fire round of "Shade or Great" on everything from dating apps to designer labels. In this episode: ⚡Ageism at work and the fear of being pushed aside ⚡Reinvention after 50 and finding new possibilities ⚡Fillers, body image and getting comfortable with yourself ⚡Grandparenting, community and the power of feeling seen ⚡Eric's candid takes on dating apps and cancel culture ⚡Dressing your age 00:00 Intro 02:00 The fillers conversation 12:00 The "you're a tree" wedding story 28:00 The death doula spam call 38:00 Shade or Great rapid-fire 50:00 Closing thoughtsCome for the laughter. Stay for the reminder that you still have things to do and a life to enjoy. What's one expectation about getting older you're ready to let go of? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe to Over 50 Shades of Great for more honest conversations about life after 50. #Over50ShadesOfGreat #LifeAfter50 #ageism #womenover50 #midlifecrisis #datingover60 #reinvention #over50fashion #over50andthriving #retirement #grandparents #botox #pivots

    Life After 50: Ageism, Fillers and Reinvention with Eric Stern

  7. Sep 9

    The Real Reason You Can't Find Love After 50 with Jaydi Samuels Kuba

    The Secrets No One Tells You Dating after 50 — or wondering whether lasting love is still possible? In this episode of the Over 50 Shades of Great podcast, Hollywood matchmaker and dating coach Jaydi Samuels Kuba joins Deborah Read to reveal what actually creates connection, chemistry, and a lasting relationship. Dating over 50 comes with its own rules. Jaydi shares the biggest dating mistakes that cost women love, why a perfect checklist can block you from recognizing the right person, and how to signal interest without lowering your standards In this conversation you'll learn: 💛 How dating changes after 50 💛 The biggest dating mistakes on first dates 💛 Chemistry vs. long-term compatibility 💛 How to spot your real relationship deal breakers 💛 Why to give a promising date a second chance 💛 Dating apps and the illusion of unlimited choice 💛 Whether men should pay on the first date 💛 Love languages and flirting styles 💛 Financial safety in later-life dating 💛 Why love can arrive in your 50's, 60s, 70s and beyond Hollywood matchmaker Jaydi Samuels Kuba shares how to build lasting connections. Dating in your 50s and beyond comes with unique challenges, but it also offers the chance for a more intentional search for a partner. In this conversation, we examine the common dating mistakes that hold women back and the mindset shifts needed to recognize genuine compatibility. Whether you are navigating dating apps or wondering if you should give a second date a chance, this discussion provides actionable relationship advice for modern romance. We also address the practical side of modern dating, including how to handle financial boundaries, flirting styles, and the impact of the illusion of choice. By identifying your real deal breakers and moving past the perfect checklist, you can better position yourself to connect with the right person. These matchmaker tips help you navigate the nuances of later-life dating while keeping your standards high. Subscribe for weekly relationship insights, and share this with a friend who is ready for their next chapter. 00:00 Intro 02:00 How Deborah became a Hollywood matchmaker 10:00 The dating persona & nervous dating habits 20:00 "Earning exclusivity" — why you shouldn't rush 30:00 The checklist that blocks real love 40:00 The biggest mistakes on first dates 50:00 Love languages & flirting styles 1:00:00 Shade or Great? rapid-fire dating takes 1:15:00 Jaydi's unexpected love story 1:25:00 Where to find JaydiConnect Jaydi Samuels Kuba: LJMatchmaking: https://www.ljmatchmaking.com/ Instagram: @matchmadeinhollywood Podcast: Match Made in Hollywood Book: Your Last First Date — https://www.simonandschuster.com/book... If this episode spoke to you, please subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Your greatest love story may still be ahead of you. #dating after 50 #dating tips for women over 50#dating advice for women over 50#love after 60 #Best Dating Advice#over 50 dating#matchmaker tips#findlove#datingmistakes #relationship advice find love

    The Real Reason You Can't Find Love After 50 with Jaydi Samuels Kuba

  8. Sep 3

    After 21 Years, Nike Let Her Go—Then Kim Lawrence Reinvented Herself

    After 21 years at Nike, Kim Lawrence was laid off in a five-minute call—and the identity she had spent decades building disappeared with it. Known throughout Hollywood as “Nike Kim,” she had worked in entertainment and sports marketing, cultivating relationships with filmmakers, producers and studios. Her career included projects associated with Black Panther, Space Jam: A New Legacy and other major cultural moments. Losing that career at 52 brought grief, panic and a difficult question: Who was Kim without Nike? In this candid conversation, Kim and Deborah Read explore career loss, ageism, identity and the emotional reality of beginning again after 50. Kim describes applying for jobs, facing rejection and slowly letting go of the belief that her next role needed to equal—or surpass—her former status. Then an unexpected opportunity appeared. At 58, Kim completed seven weeks of training and became a flight attendant. The job gave her a renewed sense of purpose, adventure and connection, along with the freedom to stop measuring her worth by a corporate title. Kim also shares how her emergency training helped her respond when a passenger experienced cardiac arrest—and why the experience reminded her that she remains a powerful, capable woman, even though her life looks different from what she once imagined. An inspiring episode about job loss, career reinvention after 50, releasing ego and remaining open to the opportunity that may change everything. “If you’re not done, don’t be done.”

    After 21 Years, Nike Let Her Go—Then Kim Lawrence Reinvented Herself
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Over 50 Shades of Great is a community for women navigating reinvention, relationships, purpose, and wellbeing in midlife and beyond. Hosted by longtime television producer and first-time mom at 53, Deborah Read, the show features honest conversations about aging, dating later in life, career pivots, motherhood on a different timeline, beauty, and vitality. Each episode explores how to thrive after 50 offering inspiration, perspective, and real-life stories of transformation. Because life isn’t black and white — there are a million shades of GREAT in between.

Information

  • Creator
    with Deborah Read
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © with Deborah Read
  • Show Website
    Over 50 Shades of GREAT

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