Late Bloomer Living Podcast

What would happen if you finally said yes to the thing you’ve been dreaming about for years?   In this episode, Yvonne talks with award-winning novelist and creativity coach Beth Barany, who is stepping into a bold new creative chapter. At 50+, Beth is becoming a first-time filmmaker as she turns her fantasy adventure novel, Henrietta the Dragon Slayer, into a proof-of-concept short film — the first step toward a potential TV series.   Beth shares the true behind-the-scenes story of a dream nearly two decades in the making: ✨ The moment she dared to say her dream out loud ✨ Why she decided not to wait for Hollywood ✨ How she built a filmmaking team without previous experience ✨ The power of curiosity to guide your next step ✨ What it feels like to finally see her character come to life on screen ✨ Why our most exciting reinventions often happen in midlife If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too old” to start something new — this conversation is your reminder that you are right on time. You don’t need permission. You get to greenlight yourself.   🔗 Learn more about Beth’s project: https://author.bethbarany.com/henrietta-short-film/ 🌼 Want more play and joy in your life? Join the PLAYshop waitlist: https://www.latebloomerliving.com/play 

Gratitude Feeling Forced? Try This Instead.   This Thanksgiving, I’m trying a little experiment. Instead of forcing gratitude, I’m approaching the holiday like a game—using appreciation to see people as they really are, not as I wish they’d be. In this episode, I share the simple appreciation practices I’m playing with, why I think they’ll make the day feel lighter, and how you can try them too. I also invite you to check out last week’s episode about the difference between gratitude and appreciation, and to join the PLAYshop waitlist if you want more curiosity, creativity, and ease in your everyday life. Sign up at https://www.latebloomerliving.com/play

If Your Gratitude List Feels Stale, You’re Not Alone   We’re often told that gratitude is the answer to everything — write a list, feel better, repeat. But what happens when the list doesn’t change a thing? In this solo episode, I share a personal moment that cracked open a new understanding for me about gratitude, appreciation, and the way our minds work when we’re overwhelmed. Instead of trying to force myself into feeling grateful, I stumbled into a different approach that helped me reconnect with the present moment in a much more honest, grounded way.   This isn’t an episode about toxic positivity or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about noticing what’s real, finding small openings when you feel stuck, and learning how appreciation can quietly shift your emotional state in ways gratitude sometimes can’t.   You’ll hear: ✨ Why gratitude practices sometimes fall flat ✨ The surprising mindset shift that softened my “dark cloud” morning ✨ How appreciation can help you feel more present and less pressured ✨ A simple experiment you can try this week (no journaling required)   Whether you’re navigating holiday stress, feeling overwhelmed, or just craving a gentler way to support your own well-being, this episode offers a compassionate invitation to slow down and reconnect with what’s right in front of you.   Tune in, try the experiment, and see what opens. 🌼 Bloom like you mean it.

What if the key to more joy, creativity, and confidence in midlife isn’t mastery — it’s dabbling?   Author and speaker Karen Walrond (Radiant Rebellion, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto) joins Yvonne Marchese to talk about her newest book, In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur.   Together, they explore how curiosity, play, and self-compassion can help us reconnect with wonder — and why embracing our inner beginner might be the most radical act of joy we can choose.   Tune in for a refreshing conversation about letting go of perfectionism, rediscovering creativity, and learning to love the process again.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥

What happens when you say yes to fun?   This week, I’m joined by my good friend Adam Rothenberg, creator of the entertainment platform Call Me Adam, for a joyful conversation about curiosity, courage, and play. When Adam found himself at a children’s birthday party, he and one other adult decided to join the kids rock climbing and ziplining—and it turned into a reminder of what we lose when we forget how to play.   We talk about facing fears, staying curious, and how a playful mindset keeps us creative, confident, and young at heart. 💛 Tune in and discover the surprising power of saying yes to fun.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥  

Have you ever caught yourself asking questions like, “Why can’t I get ahead?” or “Why do I always mess things up?” I sure have — and those questions kept me stuck for years.   In this short solo episode, I’m sharing how I discovered the power of asking better questions — and how that simple shift changed my life. From giving up complaining for Lent (spoiler: it was way harder than chocolate!) to learning how my thoughts were shaping my reality, I found a way to train my brain to look for solutions instead of problems.   We’ll talk about: ✨ Why your brain always answers the questions you ask it ✨ How to flip disempowering questions into empowering ones ✨ Simple ways to shift your mindset and get unstuck at any age   Whether you’re in midlife, over 50, or just ready for a fresh start, this episode is all about reclaiming your curiosity, reframing your thinking, and blooming again — right where you are.   If this message resonates, share it with a friend who might need a reminder that it’s never too late to ask a better question.

What if finding your voice didn’t happen in your 20s — but in your 50s?   This week, I’m talking with Molly Lee, founder of Optimistic Soap, who discovered activism — and her own courage to speak up — later in life. What began as a creative hobby making soap to unwind after work became something much bigger: a way to fundraise, build community, and take action for the causes she believes in.   Molly’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to step into your power. She shares how the 2016 Women’s March sparked her inner activist, what it means to live with optimism in hard times, and why hope is anything but naïve.   We talk about: Finding your voice and purpose later in life Turning creativity into a tool for change How optimism can be a radical act Staying engaged without losing heart   If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late” to make a difference — this conversation will change your mind.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥

Growth rarely feels graceful in the moment. Sometimes it looks like screw-ups, bloopers, and figuring it out in public. This episode is about embracing the messy middle.   Have you ever jumped into something new and realized halfway through that you were completely figuring it out as you went? That was me at the Empowered Podcasting Conference — my first podcasting event, my first time speaking live, and my first attempt at creating video content for both YouTube and the podcast.   Things didn’t go exactly as planned (spoiler: there were bloopers), but what came out of it was a weekend full of laughter, learning, and connection.   This episode isn’t really about podcasting — it’s about what happens when you let yourself try anyway. It’s about showing up before you feel ready, letting curiosity lead, and discovering that community makes all the difference.   If you’ve been hesitating to take that next step — to start something new, share your story, or push past your comfort zone — consider this your nudge.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥

What if midlife isn’t the beginning of the end, but the spark of something extraordinary? This week, I’m joined by Lisa Murphy, a certified Life & Wellness Coach and founder of the @50ForwardClub. After more than 20 years in magazines and digital media, Lisa made a bold pivot to help midlife women create intentional, fulfilling, and joyful lives. In this conversation, we dive into the stories we tell ourselves about aging — and how to rewrite them. Lisa shares how she got sober, learned to understand (not just “feel”) her fears, and started building a vibrant community that celebrates what’s possible after 50. From challenging internalized ageism to finding joy on the dance floor, Lisa reminds us that it’s never too late to change your story. 💛 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your thoughts are stories — and how to stop believing the ones that hold you back Practical mindset tools to quiet fear and move forward with confidence How small, consistent shifts can create big transformation The surprising link between positive views of aging and longevity Why sobriety became Lisa’s doorway to freedom and joy How celebration and play can become powerful forms of self-care ✨ Connect with Lisa Murphy Website: https://coachlisamurphy.com/ Instagram: @CoachLisaMurphy | @50ForwardClub 🌼 Mentioned in this episode 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman The Five Second Rule by Mel Robbins     🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥

Lessons on staying vibrant, curious, and playful at any age.   Midlife isn’t an ending—it’s an opening. In this episode, we explore how to embrace possibility, purpose, and play no matter your age. My guest, Wendy Green, shares how she learned to start before she was ready, push past self-doubt, and build community through her work with Boomer Banter and the Age Wise Collaborative. Together, we talk about flipping the script on aging, listening for the quiet voice that reminds you what you love, and why reinvention isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about remembering yourself. Whether you’re in a life transition, feeling stuck, or simply craving inspiration for your next chapter, this conversation will remind you: you are never done.   *Episode 243   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥  

What YouTube Can Teach Us About Reinvention After 50   What does starting a YouTube channel in your 40s, 50s, or beyond have in common with launching any new adventure in midlife? A lot more than you might think. In this special episode, I sit down with Rob Moore—better known as Rob the Maritimer—who helps people over 40 overcome fear and start YouTube channels without the overwhelm. While the full video version of our conversation lives on YouTube, this audio-only edit trims out the nitty-gritty details about cameras and microphones so we can focus on the heart of Rob’s story. We talk about: How to push through camera anxiety (or any kind of stage fright) Why your first attempts don’t have to be perfect—in fact, they shouldn’t be The power of authenticity and showing up as yourself Why age is never a barrier to starting something new The importance of patience, consistency, and enjoying the journey Even if you have zero interest in starting a YouTube channel, you’ll find encouragement here for taking risks, embracing imperfection, and blooming at any stage of life.   **Episode 242   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving. 🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!  🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥 Find out more at https://www.latebloomerliving.com/  

Who says aging means slowing down? Jacqueline Hooton is here to bust ageist myths and show how strength training can help you stay powerful, confident, and unstoppable at any age. In this inspiring conversation, fitness expert and author Jacqueline Hooton shares how we can challenge ageist stereotypes, overcome internalized ageism, and build lasting strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally. From the power of strength training to expanding your healthspan, Jacqueline shows why it’s never too late to take charge of your well-being and live vibrantly in midlife and beyond.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥    

Season 6 kicks off with Yvonne Marchese reflecting on a summer of unexpected change—from a family health scare to becoming an empty nester. In this solo episode, she shares why this tender, transitional time is inspiring a fresh look at joy, reinvention, and what it means to bloom in midlife.   She also reveals her bold leap into YouTube and invites you to be part of shaping this season. Got a question or story to share? Leave a message at latebloomerliving.com/podcast.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥 You can also join the Age Agitators Club for more fun and inspiration as we navigate midlife together. Find out more at https://www.latebloomerliving.com/

Making Space for Growth, Rest, and Reinvention It’s the end of Season 5, and I’m pressing pause to make space for family, rest, and some big creative plans. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the lessons of midlife, the importance of taking breaks, and what’s coming next for Late Bloomer Living—including the launch of my new YouTube channel in September! While I’m on break, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite past episodes as replays every other week, so there’s still plenty of inspiration coming your way.   👉 Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel at youtube.com/@LateBloomerLiving so you’re the first to know when new content drops this fall. See you in September for Season 6!

What happens when midlife grief, identity shifts, and 3 a.m. wake-ups collide? For Jacqueline Perez, it led to an unexpected creative awakening. In this episode, Jack shares how a personal journaling practice turned into a 30-day poetry challenge—and eventually, a self-published book. We talk about the healing power of creativity, the emotional weight of the empty nest, and why taking imperfect action can change everything.   We talk about creativity, healing, identity shifts, and the power of following an instinct even when you don’t know where it’s leading. If you’ve ever felt like you were coming undone—or becoming something new—this conversation is for you.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥

This Is What Reinvention Really Looks Like! When Jennifer Polt walked away from her high-level corporate job to become a full-time influencer and confidence coach, she had a plan. What she didn’t plan for? Her husband leaving just three weeks later. In this honest, funny, and deeply inspiring conversation, Jen—known online as Making Up for Glossed Time—shares the full arc of her midlife reinvention. From starting her platform during the pandemic to navigating heartbreak, launching her coaching business, and dancing in sequins for millions online, she’s built a brand rooted in self-expression, style, and substance—and she’s not afraid to show the messy middle. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to reinvent yourself after 50, this episode is for you.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥

How to Be More Playful in Midlife What if being a responsible adult actually meant making more time for joy?   In celebration of the International Day of Play, Yvonne is joined by professor and TED speaker Tabitha Dell’Angelo for a deep, energizing conversation about why play isn’t just for kids—and why it’s never too late to rediscover your playful side.   They explore how laughter lowers stress, why curiosity is a superpower, and what it means to “accept the offer” in everyday life. From classroom stories to roller skates to improv, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights on how play can transform how we live, work, and connect—especially in midlife and beyond.   Whether you’re already embracing fun or need a gentle nudge to loosen the grip of grind culture, this one’s for you.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥    

Five years. Over 200 conversations. One big realization: It’s never too late.   After five years of hosting the Late Bloomer Living Podcast, I’ve had a front-row seat to hundreds of stories of reinvention, resilience, and playful transformation—and let me tell you, I’ve learned a lot. In this special solo episode, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways about aging, ageism, play, and the messy, beautiful process of figuring things out as you go. You’ll also hear a short montage of past guest voices—some of my all-time favorites—whose words still ring in my ears. If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to try something new, trust yourself more, or bloom in a whole new direction… this one’s for you. 🎧 Plus, I’ll let you in on a few personal surprises, what’s changed in me since hitting record for the first time, and why I believe reinvention isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about changing how you see yourself.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥

What if the mirror reflected not just your image, but your next chapter? When artist and mom Hardie Cobbs was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything paused—except her clarity.   What followed was a powerful reinvention that blended personal style with intentional living. In this episode, Hardie shares how she found her way from survival to service, helping other women rediscover themselves through fashion, mindset, and self-expression.   Whether you're feeling lost in midlife or just craving a fresh start, this conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to show up as the woman you’re becoming.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving. 🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!  🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥  

A Midlife Story of Healing and Hope After a painful childhood and years of self-protection, Rachel Linnett found herself at a breaking point in midlife. What followed was a powerful journey of healing, self-discovery, and learning to live from love instead of fear.  In this conversation, Rachel shares her personal story with honesty, warmth, and wisdom—and offers inspiration for anyone ready to come home to themselves.   🌻 If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this episode on social media and tag me @latebloomerliving.   🌻Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!    🌻 Need a little more FUN in your life? Come to The PLAYshop!  Sign up for the waitlist and get in on the fun! 🛼 💥 You can also join the Age Agitators Club for more fun and inspiration as we navigate midlife together. Find out more at https://www.latebloomerliving.com/