10 episodes

Generation X is navigating one gnarly transition after the next in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. From retirement, career change, health issues, caring for parents, empty-nesting, loss, and finding purpose, it often feels like reality bites. Each week, join certified coach and mindfulness meditation teacher, Michele L. Walter, as she and her guests bring you deep, introspective conversations designed to shake up how you think about life. These episodes are a mixtape of bold wisdom, practical lessons, and badass nostalgia to help you emerge stronger through life’s transitions. The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

The Gen X Shift Michele L. Walter

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 3 Ratings

Generation X is navigating one gnarly transition after the next in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. From retirement, career change, health issues, caring for parents, empty-nesting, loss, and finding purpose, it often feels like reality bites. Each week, join certified coach and mindfulness meditation teacher, Michele L. Walter, as she and her guests bring you deep, introspective conversations designed to shake up how you think about life. These episodes are a mixtape of bold wisdom, practical lessons, and badass nostalgia to help you emerge stronger through life’s transitions. The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

    Ep. 1 This Is How We Do I: Welcome Episode with Michele Walter.mp4

    Ep. 1 This Is How We Do I: Welcome Episode with Michele Walter.mp4

    Don’t take your dreams to the graveyard. Hosting a podcast has been a dream of mine for years. And I’ll be damned if I was gonna take this dream to the graveyard with me.  So, in keeping with the saying that “done is better than perfect,” I’m launching my dream into the world.  
    Welcome to The Gen X Shift podcast! In this inaugural episode, I share a bit of my backstory, why I started this podcast, and what you can expect. Plus, stay tuned to the end for a special story that will make you wax a little nostalgic.

    Episode website

    Watch on YouTube

    Join the Life From The Summit weekly emails to support your Gen X Shift! 

    CONNECT WITH MICHELE 
    💥Website: https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/  
    💥Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/
    💥LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelewalter-lifefromthesummit
    💥Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGenXShiftPodcast
    💥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit
    💥Medium:  https://medium.com/@lifefromthesummit
    💥TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@life.from.summit
    💥WellMeRight:  https://www.wellmeright.com/en/michelew
    💥Insight Timer Guided Meditations: https://insighttimer.com/lfts 
    💥Support the Podcast:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit
    💥Email: Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com 

    WANT MORE GEN X NOSTALGIA & COMMUNITY?

    Join The Gen X Nation on the Mighty Networks Platform. Founded by Sarah Blankenship, this is where all the cool kids hang out for more than just nostalgia (although there’s lot of that too!). Get support around professional development, personal development, finances, health and wellness, military/veteran issues, and more. Sign up through this link: https://bit.ly/GenXNation 

    PODCAST LISTENER DISCOUNTS

    ⭐️ Kickstart Your Mindfulness Meditation Practice online course (podcast listeners save 20% with this link): https://bit.ly/MindfulnessKickstarterPodcastDiscount 

    NEW TO MICHELE AND LIFE FROM THE SUMMIT?
    I was a GenX, latch-key, free-spirited kid of the 70’s and 80’s. From a modest trailer park in Nebraska to the esteemed corridors of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington, D.C. and finally, to the path of entrepreneurship, my journey has been crooked, winding, and lonesome. Learn more here: https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/meet-michele 

    REFERENCES FROM EPISODE
    💗 myisha t. hill and the Co-Conspirators Lounge
    💗 Dr. Adia Gooden
    💗 Bridgette Simmonds
    💗 Chris Cownden and his Podcast Launch Strategy

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    The Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit

    #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit

    TIMESTAMPS
    (00:00) Introduction and Background
    (01:30) Growing Up Gen X in Rural Nebraska
    (08:30) Career in Environmental Law
    (10:06) Losing Mother, Questioning Life Path, Burnout, Anxiety, Depression
    (13:32) Moving to Colorado and Starting Own Business
    (19:09) Challenges and Shifts in Gen X Life
    (20:09) Storytelling, Building Bridges, and Connecting the Gen X Community
    (24:58) Podcast Schedule and Format
    (29:14) Engaging with the Podcast and Support
    (31:21) Acknowledgments and Gratitude
    (37:26) The Outsiders movie and Nothing Gold Can Stay

    The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

    • 39 min
    Ep. 2 Let's Get Physical: Healthy Tips and Wisdom with Monique Jones

    Ep. 2 Let's Get Physical: Healthy Tips and Wisdom with Monique Jones

    Michele welcomes her first guest, dear friend, and badass Gen X’er, Monique Jones. Monique is a 2-time Ironman, fitness instruction, and plant-based athlete who shares her fitness journey in the hope of inspiring other women, and particular communities of color, to find a healthier lifestyle.  

    Monique is an attorney by day and a health and wellness coach by night. She hails from Detroit, Michigan. And after living in the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area, Chicago, and the Denver area, she now lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her two fur babies, Lola and Onyx. Monique is also a two-time Ironman, a fitness instructor, jet setter, avid gardener, and self-professed foodie.

    Last year, she started her own plant-based health and wellness coaching business called Plant Power Peoples. She uses this business to spread the good news about fitness and a plant-based lifestyle to women and communities of color. Her mantra is to live your best life outside the box with grace and laughter and plenty of wine.

    Episode website
    Watch on YouTube
    Join the Life From The Summit weekly emails to support your Gen X Shift! 
    Transcript

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
    Instagram: @plantpower77 
    Website (coming fall of 2024): https://plantpowerpeoples.com 

    PODCAST LISTENER DISCOUNTS
    ⭐️ Kickstart Your Mindfulness Meditation Practice online course (podcast listeners save 20% with this link): https://bit.ly/MindfulnessKickstarterPodcastDiscount 

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    The Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit

    #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit

    TIMESTAMPS

    (00:00) Embracing self-acceptance, joy, and healthy habits.
    (06:27) Curious about your background and our relationship.
    (13:37) Supportive friendship during life transitions and fitness changes.
    (19:25) Enjoy eating but feel ashamed in public.
    (22:55) Questioning impact of toxic beauty standards in US.
    (31:14) Reimagine fitness beyond traditional jock mentality.
    (34:11) Chicago is great for triathlons and races.
    (38:06) Choose activities you like so you can create healthy habits.
    (45:24) Self-improvement leads to empowering others.
    (51:07) Meal prep saves time for busy lifestyles.
    (53:24) Share what works, without pressuring others.
    (59:39) Family accommodating plant-based diet in gatherings.
    (01:03:39) Start small, don't force major dietary changes.
    (01:13:23) Feeling inspired to embrace plant-based wellness.
    (01:15:47) Torre Washington, Badass Vegan bodybuilder and athlete.
    (01:20:06) Soul food misconception and food during slavery.  
    (01:29:43) Share your thoughts.
    (01:30:30) Passionate plea to support Gen X podcast with rate, review, and share.

    The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

    • 1 hr 31 min
    Ep. 3 It's Gettin' Hot In Here: The Entrepreneur Lifestyle with Josh Thurmond

    Ep. 3 It's Gettin' Hot In Here: The Entrepreneur Lifestyle with Josh Thurmond

    This episode is comin’ in hot with a conversation with Josh Thurmond, who is the owner and creator of Lava Box Portable Campfire, Shark Tank winner, adventurer, and designer. This episode is for anyone who would like to start a side hustle, your own business, or be inspired about how to keep reinventing yourself in your 40s and beyond. Josh bestows us with some powerful words of wisdom at the end, including his 3 mantras as a business owner and the biggest piece of advice he has for anyone who’s ever had an idea! 

    Also, don’t forget your special podcast listener discount on snagging a Lava Box Portable Campfire! 

    Episode website
    Watch on YouTube
    Join the Life From The Summit weekly emails to support your Gen X Shift! 
    Transcript

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
    Instagram: @fireanytime
    Facebook: @lavaboxcampfire
    Tiktok: @fireanytime
    Website: https://www.fireanytime.com

    PODCAST LISTENER DISCOUNTS
    ⭐️ Lava Box Portable Campfire 15% discount: genx15 at https://fireanytime.com/ 
    ⭐️ Kickstart Your Mindfulness Meditation Practice online course (podcast listeners save 20% with this link): https://bit.ly/MindfulnessKickstarterPodcastDiscount 

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    The Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit

    #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit

    TIMESTAMPS
    (00:00) Episode featuring Josh, inspiring entrepreneur with diverse experiences.
    (07:24) Meeting in van, asking stranger's age. Founder of Lava Box.
    (12:08) Entrepreneurship is inspiring and encourages others.
    (16:38) Healthy competition over comparison, focusing on authenticity.
    (24:02) Struggling with budget, enjoys creating, spouse is forensic scientist.
    (30:17) Switched from helping people on worst days to creating peak experiences at National Sports Center for the Disabled.
    (35:38) Left-handedness linked to creativity, faced cultural challenges.
    (40:50) Resilience against failure and academic success upbringing.
    (44:36) Leaning into discomfort and failure for growth.
    (48:23) Innovative campfire idea leads to successful prototype.
    (57:20) Joy in mission-oriented company supporting disabled individuals.
    (01:01:33) Gen X values intentional, rebellious, mission-oriented work.
    (01:06:46) Corporate involvement in river cleanup is wrong.
    (01:09:37) Partner values philanthropy, but struggles with donations.
    (01:15:53) Key lesson for entrepreneurs: can't serve everyone.
    (01:19:32) Overcome imposter syndrome and fear of failure.
    (01:27:42) Proud of kids, hopeful for future correction.
    (01:30:27) Gen Xers embracing creativity and finding solutions.
    (01:37:14) Entrepreneurial inspiration, freedom, and making a difference.


    The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

    • 1 hr 38 min
    Ep. 4 The "How" Is Not Your Business: Empowered Leadership and Career Shifts with Jen Porter

    Ep. 4 The "How" Is Not Your Business: Empowered Leadership and Career Shifts with Jen Porter

    This week Michele sits down with friend and fellow coach, Jen Porter. Jen is a leadership coach who specializes in helping ambitious women connect their purpose with their work and carve their own path for the second half of life. She spent the first half of her career helping Fortune 500 companies, as well as global non-profits and ministries build strong, effective teams through recruiting talent. She transitioned into her second career after experiencing the transformative power of coaching. Since starting her coaching practice (Transformative Coaching, LLC) in 2017, she has helped over 300 leaders deepen their impact, find greater satisfaction and be empowered in their leadership. Today she focuses on helping women reconnect through community and faith in her new offering The Radiant Leader.  

    With one critical question, Jen helped Michele shift from being a lawyer to starting her own business. This question, along with Jen's personal story and her coaching insights, will leave you inspired to make a career shift!  

    Don’t forget to download Jen’s free gift - the Dream Your Year guide below.  

    Read the full show notes: Episode website
    Watch on YouTube
    Join the Life From The Summit weekly emails to support your Gen X Shift! 
    Transcript

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
    Email: jen@discovertrueself.com 
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenportercoach 
    Website: https://www.discovertrueself.com 
    Free download - Dream Your Year: https://discovertrueself.com/dream-your-year 
     
    PODCAST LISTENER DISCOUNTS
    ⭐️ Kickstart Your Mindfulness Meditation Practice online course (podcast listeners save 20% with this link): https://bit.ly/MindfulnessKickstarterPodcastDiscount 

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    The Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit

    #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit

    TIMESTAMPS
    (00:01) Welcome
    (02:43) Introducing guest
    (07:30) Prioritize why, what, values, and identity over how.
    (13:35) Women face barriers and limited opportunities growing up.
    (17:38) Embracing difference and curiosity shaped personal growth.
    (24:56) Discovering autonomy and self-expression in thirties.
    (28:14) Loss led to finding the value of existence.
    (33:59) Find support, start small, embrace worthiness.
    (41:03) Big decision to move, pursue deep dreams.
    (48:32) Everyone can be a leader with impact.
    (54:54) Coaching is about drawing out inner potential.
    (01:00:28) Teaching inner strength and strategies for growth.
    (01:05:54) Challenges with affording coaching and self-investment.
    (01:08:08) Coaching successful women to find clarity, fulfillment.
    (01:14:23) Focused coaching helps clients reach their goals.
    (01:19:31) Female lawyer reflects on challenges in profession.
    (01:23:44) Finding personal style, overcoming self-doubt, and confidence.
    (01:32:56) Reflecting, dreaming, and planning for a fulfilling year.
    (01:36:48) Transitions shape life, seek guidance and wisdom.
    (01:41:56) Reflect on conversation, subscribe, rate, and review.

    The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

    • 1 hr 43 min
    Ep. 5 Gen X Finances Unplugged: Values-Driven, Practical Strategies for Wealth Management with Will Hoffman

    Ep. 5 Gen X Finances Unplugged: Values-Driven, Practical Strategies for Wealth Management with Will Hoffman

    This week Michele sits down with independent financial advisor, Will Hoffman, to discuss financial issues facing Gen X’ers.  

    Will is a Financial Advisor, an AIF® designee, and Founder and President of Hoffman Wealth Management.  As a financial advisor for 20 years, Will develops customized and comprehensive financial planning solutions for his clients, while building strong relationships with them so that he fully understands their goals and objectives.

    Will educates his clients and helps them to pursue their financial goals by management of taxable and retirement investments, provides detailed retirement planning services, and helps to ensure proper insurance and estate planning strategies are in place.  He does this all while considering the Hoffman Wealth Management mission:  To provide INDEPENDENT Wealth Strategies revolving around our clients’ needs and becoming their most trusted financial ally.

    Will graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg with a degree in Business Management. He resides in Harrison City with his wife Jamie and their sons, Liam, Miles, and Nolan.  He is also an avid golfer and runner who has completed the Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York City and Boston Marathons.

    Grab a pen and paper for this episode, because you’ll want to take some notes!
    Episode website
    Watch on YouTube
    Join the Life From The Summit weekly emails to support your Gen X Shift! 
    Transcript

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
    ⭐️LinkedIn  
    ⭐️YouTube  
    ⭐️Facebook  
    ⭐️Website  
    ⭐️The Monetary Mix-Tape Podcast

    FREE RESOURCES FROM GUEST
    💰Working with a Financial Professional E-book  
    💰9 Investment Pitfalls 
    💰Preparing for a Satisfying Retirement

    ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
    👉🏻The Monetary Mix-Tape, Ep. 24 with Michele Walter - Mindfulness and Core Values:  Its Impact on Financial Well-Being and Life  
    👉🏻 The Defiant Ones docuseries  
    👉🏻 The Greatest Night in Pop  
    👉🏻 Children’s Tumor Foundation  
    👉🏻 The Gen X Nation on LinkedIn
    👉🏻 The Gen X Nation Community on Mighty Networks

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    The Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit

    #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit

    TIMESTAMPS
    (00:00) Introduction and Background
    (02:38) Influence of Growing Up in the 70s and 80s
    (08:11) Messages About Money from Parents and Society
    (12:43) Starting a Business and Leadership Roles
    (22:58) Financial Concerns of Gen X
    (26:58) Addressing the Lack of Retirement Savings
    (33:10) Importance of Understanding the 'Why' and 'Who'
    (33:38) The Value of Knowing Your Why
    (36:06) Creating a Budget for the Future
    (41:36) Finding the Right Financial Advisor
    (45:36) Overcoming Fear and Judgment
    (50:33) The Benefits of Working with a Financial Advisor
    (56:46) Advice for Those Already Saving
    (01:02:53) Setting Goals for Retirement
    (01:04:23) Setting Realistic Goals and Taking Action
    (01:06:03) Planning for Caregiving and Aging Parents
    (01:09:40) The Importance of Planning for the Future
    (01:13:11) Resources for Financial Planning
    (01:16:10) Running Marathons for a Cause
    (01:21:35) Favorite Gen X Childhood Memory
    (01:22:50) Advice for Gen Xers Going Through Transitions
    (01:23:34) Gen X Introduction or Walk-On Theme Song
    (01:27:32) Favorite Gen X Era Word or Phrase
    (01:28:45) Proud of Being Raised in Gen X



    The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

    • 1 hr 34 min
    Ep. 6: Free Your Mind and Health: Creating Systems for Gen X Health with Dr. Leona Allen

    Ep. 6: Free Your Mind and Health: Creating Systems for Gen X Health with Dr. Leona Allen

    Michele sits down with Dr. Leona Allen of Freedom Health Systems and The Heal Deal Podcast.  Dr. Allen shares her personal healing journey from being overweight and dealing with pre-diabetes, fatty liver, and gallbladder disease.  As a chiropractor and functional nutritionist for 20 years, Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of mindset in healing and the need to believe in one's ability to heal. She also highlights three fears that prevent women from taking autonomy over their physical well-being. 

    Episode website
    Watch on YouTube
    Join the Life From The Summit weekly emails to support your Gen X Shift! 
    Transcript

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
    ⭐️Website:  https://drleona.com/
    ⭐️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLeona/ 
    ⭐️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.leona/ 
    ⭐️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drleonaallen 
    ⭐️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drleona/ 
    ⭐️Podcast: http://thehealdealpodcast.com/

    GUEST OFFERS
    ⭐️Free webinar:  http://theweightlossbreakthrough.com/

    REFERENCES FROM PODCAST
    ⭐️The Heal Deal Podcast, Navigating Transitions & Embracing Change as a Gen X'er: A conversation with Michele Walter:  https://drleonaallen.podbean.com/e/t_b_d/

    CONNECT WITH MICHELE 
    💥Website:  https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/  
    💥Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/
    💥LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelewalter-lifefromthesummit
    💥Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGenXShiftPodcast
    💥YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit
    💥Medium:  https://medium.com/@lifefromthesummit
    💥TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@life.from.summit
    💥WellMeRight:  https://www.wellmeright.com/en/michelew
    💥Insight Timer Guided Meditations:  https://insighttimer.com/lfts 
    💥Support the Podcast:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit
    💥Email:  Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com 
     
    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    The Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit

    #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit

    Stay Gold, Gen X’ers . . . .

    TIMESTAMPS

    (00:00) Episode preview
    (00:43) The Gen X Shift Intro
    (01:25) Host introduction 
    (03:50) Guest introduction 
    (07:07) Guest background
    (14:19) Challenges in Developing Connections and Trust
    (28:12) Freedom Health Systems
    (36:13) Dr. Leona clients and business
    (39:50) Hiding Behind Others' Needs
    (43:42) Health freedom and wellness
    (45:38) Having systems in place
    (55:37) 3 Fears that block health
    (01:16:24) Overcoming Fears and Obstacles
    (01:23:55) Commitment and Patience
    (01:34:25) Success Stories: Coming Off Medications
    (01:38:44) Gen X Lightning Round
    (01:51:56) Host wrap up and guest media info


    The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit podcast.

    • 1 hr 53 min

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