Fireside Rebels with Carole Ann Leishman

Carole Ann Leishman

Fireside Rebels with your host Carole Ann Leishman, is a podcast for women in midlife who are done playing by the old rules. We combine the warmth of a cozy fireside chat with the bold grit of a life well-lived. Each episode explores how women are reclaiming their spark—whether that’s through new adventures, career pivots, or radical self-care—proving that midlife isn't a crisis; it’s a revolution. Get ready to ignite your second act!

  1. 3d ago

    Stuck in Midlife? Create a "Character" to Rewrite Your Next Chapter

    Does it ever feel too intimidating to show up as yourself in challenging rooms or for tough conversations and you wish you could become someone else. Guess what?! You can! In today's episode I'm sharing some tips I learned from a lifetime of acting and creating characters and let you in on a little secret: creating a character that you can step into who is bolder, braver and doesn't give a sh!t is what separates those who stay quiet in the corner from those who stand up, speak their minds and get sh!t done!

  2. Jul 11

    Perfect Unfolding - Interview with Author Kristy Halvorsen

    I’m thrilled to share with you my joyful and insightful conversation with best-selling author, solo adventure traveller, exploration guide/coach/mentor and total badass, Kristy Halvorsen. Kristy is living proof that we can do anything we set our sights on if we just let ourselves be open to the “tickles of our soul” that niggle at us constantly once we are open to listening and receiving. If you are curious and open to some wonderful insights from Kristy and her Airstream "Coddiwomple", then grab a beverage, pull up a comfy seat and enjoy this chat with Kristy Halvorsen. Check out Kristy’s wonderful book: Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open perfectunfolding.com kristyhalvorsen.com Solo-travel, true human connection, courage, grit and an open tender soul

  3. Jul 4

    One Battle After Another - the name of my midlife longevity routine

    Today I'm tackling the hard truth of how difficult it is to find a balance between trying to keep yourself looking good in midlife for your own reasons and resisting the pressure to monkey with your face especially when you have to see yourself on camera! Aging can be a tough pill to swallow but let's embrace the laugh lines and life lines and even the chin hairs (although, I'm ripping those out as soon as I can find a device for that!) Welcome back to Fireside Rebels. In this episode, I get into the unique conundrum of being a working actress in midlife who refuses to get Botox. (Olivia Wilde, if you’re looking for faces that actually move, call me!) Join the conversation as we dive into the unseen hustle of the acting world—from unpaid prep and creating self-tape characters to the daily battle of aging naturally. We also tackle the relatable struggles of working from home in pyjama bottoms, trying to eat more broccoli (blech), random dog-walk squats, and why staying strong and agile is essential for our second act. Whether you are an actor looking for midlife representation, or just a busy woman trying to remember to stay hydrated, pull up a seat. Let's ignite our second act together!

  4. Jun 23

    Why It’s Never Too Late to Try Something New (For me it was learning to wingfoil in my 50's!)

    If you’ve ever looked at a new sport or hobby and thought, "I’m too old for that," "That looks too hard," or "Girls can't do that"—this episode is for you. At 57 years old, I am living proof that it is never too late to learn new things and step outside your comfort zone. In this episode, I share my personal journey through the world of wind and watersports, including my struggles with windsurfing, my years spent kiteboarding, and how I finally found my ultimate "mental health saviour" in wingfoiling. We talk about the real challenges of the initial learning curve, overcoming a fear of the ocean, and the incredible, Zen-like feeling of flying above the water. Whether you are looking to de-excite your nervous system, connect with nature, or completely rewrite your next chapter, I want to encourage you to chase that curiosity and ignite your second act!

  5. Jun 14

    Rebel Rant - Using Your Voice: Why asking for what you need changes everything, even in midlife

    Have you ever wondered why you aren't getting what you want out of life? In today’s episode, I’m going on a little bit of a "Rebel Rant" about the critical power of speaking up and using your voice for good.

  6. May 31

    How I Wrote a Sexy Spy Novel After a Midlife Meltdown

    Bonjour and welcome back to Fireside Rebels! 🔥 Have you ever felt like your life was snowballed by stress, only to be hit with an unexpected pivot? In this episode, I’m wearing my favourite French beret and taking you on a journey through my own massive midlife reinvention when I travelled to Paris and was inspired to write my first novel! Join me!

  7. May 25

    Politics Almost Did Me In!

    Hi, I'm CaroleAnn Leishman, and I'm a recovering City Councillor but I'm ok now. The Raw Truth About Burnout & Local Government What is it really like to be an elected official? In this episode, I’m getting deeply personal about a chapter of my life many of you might not know about: my time in local politics. From running for city council alongside my late mother to enduring a gruelling mayoral campaign, I am pulling back the curtain on the intense, unseen pressures of public service. Serving your community sounds noble, but the reality of balancing a full-time job in construction project management, managing intense public scrutiny, and navigating the tragic loss of my mom took a massive toll on my health. I'm opening up about the severe burnout, physical symptoms like hair loss and heart palpitations, and the breaking point that finally forced me to prioritize my mental health. If you’ve ever felt crushed by stress, overwhelmed by responsibility, or are looking for ways to heal from burnout through tools like meditation, this story might be for you. Let's talk about the cost of carrying too much—and how to finally quiet the noise.

  8. May 18

    Don't Mansplain me about Midlife Metabolism

    Today I dive into men trying to upsell us on more expensive health and fitness programs by mansplaining us and trying to convince us of stuff that isn't true!

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About

Fireside Rebels with your host Carole Ann Leishman, is a podcast for women in midlife who are done playing by the old rules. We combine the warmth of a cozy fireside chat with the bold grit of a life well-lived. Each episode explores how women are reclaiming their spark—whether that’s through new adventures, career pivots, or radical self-care—proving that midlife isn't a crisis; it’s a revolution. Get ready to ignite your second act!

Information

  • Creator
    Carole Ann Leishman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Carole Ann Leishman