You Are Not Invisible After 50

Basking in the sunlit charm of Sarasota, Florida, bilingual and bicultural Lorraine C. Ladish thrives as a beacon of inspiration for the 50+ community. As the CEO and co-founder of Viva Fifty!, a vibrant bilingual online platform, she celebrates the richness of life beyond one's fifth decade. From her roots in Madrid, Spain, to her life now in the U.S., Lorraine has seamlessly woven her diverse cultural experiences into her role as a leading voice in women's empowerment and midlife transformation. As a dynamic digital presence, Lorraine has left a lasting imprint on prominent platforms such as Oprah Daily, Real Self, and AARP, establishing herself as a leading voice among midlife influencers. With a strong additional portfolio of several highly acclaimed published books and collaborations with NBCNews, HuffPost, Latina magazine and Mom.com, Lorraine's latest literary addition is "Tu Mejor Edad," - a Harper Collins-published continuation where she defies ageism and encourages all generations to embrace each decade with enthusiasm and optimism. Lorraine's mission is not just about breaking the barriers of ageism, but also about inspiring her followers, including her children, to relish every decade of their life with optimism and fervour. At 60, Lorraine is a living proof that your later years can be your most dynamic and fulfilling yet, that perceptions of aging can be reshaped, and that the best days of your life are yet to come. In this episode, Lorraine talks about moving to the US from Spain, how retirement is not a word in her vocabulary, and why one should never be scared of death.

From the lush trails of the intercoastal waterways to the expansive vistas of the mountains, 58-year-old Sherry Hurst has always found her solace and strength in the embrace of nature. With a life deeply rooted in exploring the outdoors, whether off-roading in her Jeep or stargazing under the night sky, Sherry brings this same adventurous spirit to everything she does. As a lifestyle blogger and an entrepreneur with Young Living Essential Oils, Sherry has dedicated her platform, The Silver Mermaid, to encouraging women to not only embrace their age but to live their later years with gusto and purpose. Her expertise as a wellness coach and aromatherapist further enriches her ability to guide others through their own wellness journeys, proving it's never too late to pursue new dreams or redefine one’s life. Celebrated for her vibrant approach to life and her commitment to helping others discover their true potential, Sherry Hurst is a living testament that age is just a number, and adventure is always just around the corner. In this episode, Sherry talks about becoming a rebel, the label of ‘selfish’, and the importance of working on your inner child. 

With a rich and varied career in digital sustainability training and technology business, Sharon Sinclair-Williams is no stranger to the ups and downs of life. Having spent her early years as a blogger and eventually transitioning to writing on Substack, Sharon is an influential voice in the digital world. However, life had other plans in store for her. At 60, Sharon found herself embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, as she navigated the unexpected challenges of menopause and a late diagnosis of ADHD. Yet, Sharon didn't let these curveballs slow her down. Instead, she used them as fuel to keep going, adopting the mantra "Older & Bolder" and affirming that she was "Definitely Not Past my Expiry Date." Despite being a self-confessed serial lifetime procrastinator, she has accomplished much, including winning the Best Newcomer Blog in 2017 at the Vuelio Blog Awards and being named one of the 40 Digital Women To Watch in 2021. Through her Substack page, Best Before End Date, Sharon doesn't just share her expertise in the digital world but also her personal journey, acting as a beacon of hope for others going through the trials of menopause and the challenges of ADHD. Her story is not just about overcoming life's hurdles, but also about thriving amidst them and helping others to do the same. Shortlisted for the Digital Woman of the Year Awards in 2021, Sharon Sinclair-Williams is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the will to keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way. In this episode, Sharon talks about her first foray into entrepreneurship, breaking away from ageist societal notions, and to pretend you don’t know your gender.

After an illustrious 30-year career in the Food & Beverage manufacturing industry, with 28 of those years spent at Anheuser-Busch, Ei Leen Simone knew that life had something tastier in store for her. After taking an early retirement at the age of 50 and moving to Florida, a quiet retired life - once thought of a goal - didn't seem to hit the spot. Armed with her extensive experience, Ei Leen decided to venture into the world of entrepreneurship by launching a consulting business aimed at aiding small food manufacturing companies. Through her consultancy, she has helped numerous companies navigate the complex web of FDA and USDA regulations. However, life threw a curveball when her husband suffered a stroke during the COVID period, prompting Ei Leen to finally embrace full retirement. Within this new chapter filled with personal growth and helping others, she has also faced her own challenges, notably the onset of menopause around the age of 50, which brought mood swings and self-doubt. Determined not to be defeated, Ei Leen sought solutions that not only helped her reclaim her well-being but also inspired her to support others experiencing similar struggles. Through her Instagram account, @livingmysilverlife which has over 20,000 followers, Ei Leen is more than just a retired professional - she's a beacon of hope and encouragement, especially for those navigating the challenging waters of menopause and major life transitions. Her story is not just about adapting to life's changes but thriving through them and helping others do the same. In this episode, Ei Leen talks about her career within the alcohol industry, the difficulties of menopause, and the importance of taking oneself - emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

When it comes to Acynthia Villery, there’s no horsing around - except in one case. Along with being the Founder and CEO of Alpha Omega Media Services, the VP of Sales with the ForWard Insurance Agency, HR at Express Billing Inc, and the Business Manager and Publicist for Raven Carmouche with Women in Music Management, Acynthia has also inspiringly become the first African American Female Rodeo Announcer. Having worked with the Bill Pickett Invitation Rodeo - the only, oldest, and original African American touring rodeo that educates and entertains thousands across the United States about the Black West History - for 37 years, Acynthia has inspired, interested, and informed thousands across the United States through live rodeo performances, social media, documentaries, interviews, and more.  Acynthia’s philanthropic endeavours are as substantial as her professional achievements. She has a profound commitment to giving back to the community. Whether it's volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, organising Thanksgiving meals, toy drives, or offering free HIV/AIDS testing, Acynthia spends her time supporting those who need it the most. She and her sister also run a successful prayer line, Fasting and Prayer Revolution, which has become a beacon of hope for people all around the world. In 2024, Acynthia's journey will take another exciting turn as she launches her own podcast, "The Announcer." This podcast aims to bring to light the experiences and achievements of African American cowboys, cowgirls, announcers, promoters, musical artists, judges, bull fighters, and more. Whether she's behind the mic at a rodeo, in a business meeting, volunteering in her community, or hosting her own podcast, Acynthia's story is a shining example of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to her passions and her community.   In this episode, Acynthia talks about her start in business, her trailblazing journey as a rodeo announcer, and how it’s okay to fail forward.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and what better way is there to shed light onto this important time of the year than learning more about Babette Crowder? A 59-year-old retiree who divides their time between Florida and Montana, Babette champions not only mental health, but also embracing age gracefully. A survivor of suicide, Babette’s personal experience has deepened her commitment to spreading awareness and support for those struggling with mental health challenges. Passionate about travelling, savouring good wine, being grateful everyday, and most of all, spending time with her family, Babette believes in holistic wellness, nurturing her overall well-being, and prioritising her physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Her approach to life is grounded in simplicity and gratitude, cherishing each moment as it comes. Her motto: Every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day.  In this episode, Babette talks about her personal struggles, the toxicity of social media, and the importance of being gentle with yourself.

A practicing lawyer, YouTube anchor, domestic abuse survivor, and staunch advocate for women and animal rights, Rachana Yadhav has seen the depths of despair and soared to the heights of victory. Having gone through a transformative awakening after 25 years of emotional, medical and financial neglect from her husband, she decided to stand up for herself and fight for her rights. Despite being physically abused and disinherited from her marital family, she rose like a phoenix from the ashes, refusing to be termed a victim, but a warrior. With a mission to make 'Women's Rights are Human Rights' a reality, Rachana aims to create an environment where her voice resonates in the corridors of power from the United Nations to the halls of Parliament. Empowered by her love of her beloved pets, Sikander and Tango, who helped her survive her darkest days, she is also deeply committed towards bettering the lives of animals and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Rachana's journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the power of perseverance, and the transformative power of love and kindness. Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of a woman who refused to be silenced, a woman who fought back, and a woman who continues to inspire and empower others with her story.  In this episode, Rachana talks about how economic abuse is still seen as invalid, the issue of rape and sexual violence   in India, and the importance of protecting your financial assets.

If you could describe Jin Cruce in three ways, it would be empowerment, self-care, and the celebration of age. A dedicated pharmacist, wife, mother, and grandmother, Jin's commitment to her career and family is unwavering, continuous and defies the societal idea that she should slow down. Having gone through a transformative awakening at 50 where she decided to make this decade her best yet, 57-year-old Jin is a pro-ageing content creator with a dedicated army of 1.1 million Instagram followers. Jin seeks to inspire women of all ages to embrace their inner strength and vitality, proving that life is just beginning in midlife. By prioritising self-care and believing in oneself, Jin embodies the belief that anything is possible at any age with the right mindset. Refusing to be defined by her years, Jin is a shining example of living life to the fullest and never allowing oneself to become invisible. In this episode, Jin talks about the emphasis on education in Asian culture, her views on parenthood after becoming a grandmother, and the importance of enjoying the moment.

Model, actress, influencer, advocate, and kickass businesswoman, Sarah Villery is the very epitome of the modern-day Renaissance woman. As the founder and owner of Express Billing, Inc., a leading medical billing service, Sarah has been a trailblazer in the industry for over 32 years. Her dedication to her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the African American Business Achievement Pinnacle Award and being featured in Business Magazine's 40 under 40. In addition to her successful career in medical billing, Sarah is also a co-owner and founder of 1st Alert EMS, LLC, a woman minority-owned private ambulance company serving the Houston and San Antonio areas. Beyond her business ventures, Sarah is a passionate advocate for prayer and fasting through her ministry, Fasting and Prayer Revolution, which has gained global recognition and touched lives worldwide. Despite overcoming personal struggles, including surviving domestic violence, Sarah has remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to helping others. As a Brand Ambassador for Fly, Hip & Ageless, Keenabela Luxury Loungewear, and Weathered Not Worn, Sarah continues to inspire others with her natural grey hair and impeccable sense of style. Whether it’s modelling, running a business, or influencing the world with her word and her wardrobe, Sarah's journey is a testament to resilience, grace, and the unwavering pursuit of her passions.   In this episode, Sarah talks about surviving domestic abuse, the importance of authenticity, and how only clothes get old - not people.

Born in the green embrace of Shimla in Himalchal Pradesh, India where she was cradled by apple and cherry blossoms, enveloped by snow clad mountains, and surrounded by a myriad of fragrant flowers, Dr Gita Prakash has been intimately familiar with beauty and peace from a young age. With her journey leading her to the Armed Forced Medical College where she commenced her medical studies, this devotion to pulchritude never waned. Committed to remaining connected with the beauty of life, Gita dedicated herself to mastering the clinical art of healing in college, all while engaging in singing, debating, sports, and socialising.After spending 5 years in the army where she met her wonderful husband, Gita moved to Mumbai where she started a family and a new career. Whilst working in a school as a medical consultant with UNHCR, Gita decided to harness her creativity and dabble in other creative pursuits such as radio jockeying and starring in medical TV shows. Now, Gita remains committed to medicine as a general physician in a hospital and medical consultant for college hostels, whilst juggling a fascinating career as a senior fashion model. With a life rooted in loveliness, Gita knows that the beauty of life is to never be stagnant and always embrace change.     In this episode, Gita talks about her work as a doctor, working with refugees, and her new life as a model. 

Jackie Dumouchel’s journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the pursuit of passion. Born into a chaotic family background, Jackie’s post-high school path was initially uncertain. Her adventurous, wild child spirit led her to Hollywood in 1989, where she dabbled in modelling and furthered her education at a community college. The course of her life shifted when she secured a position at a Beverly Hills flower shop, igniting a life-long passion within her. Today, Jackie is at the helm of Lotus & Lily Floral Design, a boutique floral and event design firm focusing on luxury florals, bespoke designs, and custom curated floral creations. Despite facing personal upheavals at 50, including a divorce after two decades of marriage and fluctuating confident levels, Jackie found love again and continued to evolve both personally and professionally. Jackie’s journey mirrors the blooming of her signature lilies - an ever-expanding path marked by resilience, passion, and an unwavering confidence in her craft. In this episode, Jackie talks about her wild child youth, how she found her passion in flowers, and the importance of never succumbing to social media.

If you combined the joy of being a global citizen and the art of acting, you would get the lovely result of Holly Hudson. A true digital nomad and an unmistakable Renaissance woman, Holly is a comic, writer, actress, and ghost-writer who is American by birth, but international by nature. Living between London, Paris, Los Angeles, and Yellow Springs, Ohio, Holly juggles a fantastically well-rounded career of pure artistry. Having started as actress on Broadway and regional theatres in the US, Holly discovered comedy in mid-life after raising her son in London and the US. Now, as she juggles her lifelong passions, Holly has an army of over 116,000 comedy-loving followers on social media, has written and produced two short films, and has several feature scripts and two comedy pilots in development. And when she’s not writing scripts or performing them, she’s helping authors, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives, scientists, and athletes write their own memoirs and non-fiction books.   In this episode, Holly talks about being a digital nomad, pivotal moments that changed her life, and how it’s never too late to do what you want.

If there is something that Gina Kieslich lives and breathes, it’s fashion. An over 50 creative who believes that there is no age limit to expressing personal style, the art of clothing is something Gina navigated towards at a young age. As a young girl, she adored going to visit her mother at work at a local department store in Vermont and dreamt of wearing Calvin Klein or Diane von Furstenberg one day. She later received her first degree in Fashion Merchandising and Retailing, another degree in Advertising and Communications, and started to work for a local modelling agency in college. Although she shifted focus to starting a family and commenced a 30-year career in high-tech marketing, Gina’s love for fashion has never wavered. Having started her Instagram 5 years ago after getting numerous random compliments about her style, Gina uses her platform as a creative and colourful outlet to shout out to the world that age is never out of style.  In this episode, Gina talks about how she got her start in fashion, her career in technical marketing, and the importance of being ageless.

A self-described ‘euphoric being of the knowing light’, Adele Stratton is an integrated manual therapist and leader in the field of healing. Canadian by origin but global by nature, Adele commenced her healing journey in her early twenties, when a search for answers for ongoing health issues ended with a transformative awakening. Her personal experiences have taught her the importance of understanding the physical and energetic state of the body in order to heal and live a fulfilled life. Now having learned from pioneers in new physical and spiritual modalities, Adele is the Founder of the Phoenix Rising Healing Centre where she offers a diversity of treatments suitable for clients seeking fundamental healing. Through her services, Adele guides those seeking to heal deeply and advocates for trusting in the intelligence of the heart. In this episode, Adele talks about how she got her start in healing, her spiritual powers, and the importance of staying grounded.

67 years young and far from invisible, it was a completely different story when Nilima Deo was young. Having started her career in banking, Nilima didn’t feel seen at all. Whether it was her in her district level town where she consciously chose to blend into the background, or at her workplace that was rife with patriarchy, Nilima knew that one day, she was going to be a firebrand when it really mattered. Now in her second innings of life, Nilima has retaken her visibility and started a new career as a social media content creator, sharing her life lessons, views on socially relevant topics, having fun, and above all, inspiring the women all around the world to live life queen size.  In this episode, Nilima talks about the sexism she faced, being judged as a mother, and how we should never stop learning.

If you were to sum up Heidi Clements in one phrase, it would be a ‘fashion addict storyteller.’ A writer by day and fashionista by night, Heidi has used the magic of words and her past career in screenwriting to build a strong social media presence. With an Instagram army of 627,000 followers and a TikTok following of 637,000, Heidi is far from letting her age stop her from shouting out to the world that she is here to dominate the fashion scene and her life. Throughout her various stylish posts, Heidi does what a lot of social media stars fail to do – offer a taste of realism through light-hearted fashion-heavy content. Using her storytelling prowess, Heidi regales stories about the dark corners of her life and how she refuses to let anything to stop her from charging on ahead. From alcoholism to aging. Self-worth and dating. No matter what she talks about, Heidi’s goal is clear – to show that women should never be afraid, not even of themselves.    In this episode, Heidi talks about her childhood, her screenwriting career, and how the universe wants you to be happy.

From a young age, Keishna Thompson-Hamilton was pre-programmed to believe that she was not enough. Throughout her difficult childhood, a young Keishna envisaged a life where her future looked more abundant than ever, despite her negative self-worth causing a chronic effect on her body. Now, she’s unpacking that baggage, healing her body, and exploring parts of herself that she’s never met. A warrior by nature, little Kiki has grown to Keishna – a UC Berkely graduate, entrepreneur, mid-life influencer, content creator, brand ambassador, model, pro-aging advocate, re-bloomer, mother of 5, and grandmother of 4. Nearly defeated by chronic illness at age 50, Keisha decided that she deserve to not just survive – but to live abundantly. Committed to sharing her story with the intention of helping others discover their strength within, Keishna is on a mission to help individuals live an authentic, beautiful life unburdened by age and strengthened by talent and positive self-concept. As living proof that manifesting the life you want can happen at any age, Keishna is ready to show the world that nothing can stop you from achieving what you want in life. In this episode, Keishna talks about her childhood, her chronic illness, and how she got her social media stardom.

From technical writer in an IT company to a late blooming silver-haired model gracing the shiny pages of magazines, Deborah (Chambers) Darling is embracing her age and everything that goes with it. Having started her modelling career in her mid-fifties as a side hustle, Deborah went from not knowing what Instagram was to having over 116,000 followers on her wildly successful account @deborah_darling. Now a full-time model, Deborah’s mission is to inspire women to see the beauty and possibility in themselves, and to spread the message that it’s never too late, and we’re never too old. In this episode, Deborah talks about marrying young, how she started her modelling career, and feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

If there is one phrase that would be used to describe Jo Good, it’s ‘middle aged minx’. Not only it is an apt description of our lovely guest, it’s also her brand name! A YouTuber, award winning presenter and former actress, Jo’s saucily named YouTube channel has a hugely sticky 60,000 subscribers and a vibrant demographic of women aged 45 and over. A lifestyle vlog that drops every Sunday at 10am, the Middle-Aged Minx delves into everything from fashion and beauty to her London life. Having got her start in the entertainment industry as an actress, Jo is best remembered for playing Carol Sands in Cross Roads, as well as classic appearances in Only Fools and Horses, Casualty, The Bill, Silent Witness, Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Dempsey and Makepeace, Dave Allen and Doctors. And although one may not see her face on the silver screen anymore, you can definitely hear her voice! An award-winning breakfast show host and journalist for the BBC, Jo is an All-England BBC Local Radio presenter talking in 40+ BBC radio stations. So, is there anything that Jo Good is bad at? Apparently not. In this episode, Jo talks about her wheel of reinvention throughout life, how she got her start in the entertainment world, and the importance of living a healthy life.

If there is one undisputable fact when it comes to Shelley Johnson, it is this: she has the uncanny ability to make anyone and everyone fall under her spell. A breast cancer survivor and retired occupational therapist, one can see the charming spark in her eyes as Shelley aka The Good Witch offers profound spiritual messages and straightforward advice on how to live a more fulfilling life to her 1.5 million (and counting) audience on social media. Despite donning her trademark pointy witch hat and talking about the occult whilst smoke surrounds her (that originates from the joint she smokes), Shelley’s definition of being a witch is broader than spells and tarot readings. Labelling herself as a ‘Woman in Total Control of Herself’, Shelley firmly believes that we’re all witches – able to start all over again and create a valuable life regardless of the circumstances. In this episode, Shelley talks about how she started her career from occupational therapy, her breast cancer journey, and how the only thing real in this world is love.