The Boomer Woman’s Podcast

Tina Davidson has a very unusual childhood story… which she didn’t learn the truth of until she was a young adult.  As an adult she became a highly regarded pianist and composer. Tina discusses her road to success with no female role models and her experience now as the subject of dissertations by students who probably do see her as their role model.  She is also so generous in expecting her listeners to claim the music as their own as they listen to it, and other musicians to consider themselves collaborators as they express her music their way. Both travel and secrets were a large part of her childhood… Tina shares the story of the secrets quite candidly.  She also talks about the effect of having her daughter on the music, and the secrets from her past, and life as a single parent.  As for the secrets… “what a tangled web we weave…” However, stay tuned for the “gift of love”. Find Tina at https://www.tinadavidson.com/ Learn more about Tina and her music at https://boomwithabang.com/tina-davidson/  

After a career in media and entertainment media, Sandy Kaye was a natural to interview all the musicians we know and love across three continents. In this episode, Sandy has memories, anecdotes, and shares so much about so many music artists.  When I listen to her podcast (which I do now, often!) I'll think "I don't know that musician..." and then "Oh, wait a minute, I love that song!" Today she tells us: which interviews were coups for her her favourites who leaves her star struck all the good gossip - ok, there's none. If you have even a shred of music enjoyment from those earlier decades, you'll love this interview! Find Sandy and her podcast at https://abreathoffreshair.com.au/ Learn more about Sandy and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-sandy-kaye/  

Clutter.  Angie Hyche talks about physical clutter, the to-do list, calendar clutter, brain clutter, gadget clutter.  Our possession-seeking and -keeping is a lifestyle thing, as is keeping it to a minimum. Starting with the physical clutter, Angie gives some tips on where to start.  With some thoughts specifically for our demographic – whether we’re dealing with our own belongings or our parents’! Your calendar – does it align with and serve your life’s priorities? People “clutter” – sounds dreadful but many of us have a person… or people… in our lives that we need to shed. And then there’s the “need to remember” clutter in your head: the groceries to pick up on the way home, email that person, but tickets…. There’s an app (tool) for that! Angie admits where she has struggled with the clutter – of all sorts – in her life.  So, if you struggle, that’s ok, keep at it… so do the pros. So many great tips… actionable tips! Angie geeks out with this stuff to such an enthusiastic level that you’ll be taking her advice in no time! Find Angie at https://shipshape.solutions/ Find all of Angie's links and references at https://boomwithabang.com/angie-hyche/  

Kim Rahir is a former journalist with a doctorate in Political Science.  Like many of us, she made a career change in mid-life to a passion career and now promotes… I love this… intentional eating for us mid-life women, as well as building AND maintaining muscle as we get older to delay, possibly even avoid many of the health issues too many people think are inevitable… I said Passion and you’ll get the picture when I tell you Kim started weight training and last year won a European Masters Weightlifting Championship… at age 60. Are you impressed? Well, how about if I tell you that in 2013 Kim was diagnosed with MS -Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, Kim explains how her diagnosis came to be what intentional eating actually is what muscle building looks like for women what “retrain your brain to reconnect with your muscles” means AND… don’t let one poor choice become a character trait! Bonus: a definition of resilience. Find Kim at https://kimrahir.com/ Learn more about Kim and find all her links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-kim-rahir/  

Have you ever contemplated getting into a vehicle and seeing where the road led?  A camperized van, maybe a beautiful RV could be your new home?  Perhaps you’re flying solo however, and the concept of being out there on your own deflates the dream. Jenell Jones is the solution.  Her Wandering Individuals Network is the RV club for anyone traveling on their own. They are a diverse group who drive everything from big class A motorhomes to car campers. In this episode, Jenell explains her past, which made the lifestyle a fairly easy decision for her what makes her RV as much a home as your house the club’s route planning and destination decisions some of her adventures why mid-age women should consider the lifestyle Jenell hosts a webinar on April 13th to explain more and answer your questions – email freervwebinar@gmail.com to register. Find Jenell's RV Club website at: https://wanderingindividualsnetwork.com/ Learn more about Jenell and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-jenell-jones/  

Wendy Battles is on the cybersecurity team at Yale University so she trains and explains to the security aware and the security uninitiated. In this episode, Wendy discusses: Passwords and password managers Phishing emails Scam phone calls How to check for data breaches that might affest you Imitation websites Her Bee Cyber Fit Podcast discusses more of what we discussed today, the link is in the show notes. Stay tuned to the end when Wendy tells us about her alter ego at Reinvention Rebels. Find Wendy at Bee Cyber Fit Learn more about Wendy and find all the links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-wendy-battles/  

Doreen Cumberford has lived and worked across cultures in 8 countries as a junior diplomat, a corporate climber, an entrepreneur and an accompanying spouse over the last four decades. Doreen discusses: How our past might influence our ability to wander The three facets of “intercultural interactions” Expats and repats Some common challenges expats face Factors to consider when considering a location The reality of our advancing years Doreen is definitely the voice of experience. Find Doreen at https://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/ Learn more about Doreen and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-doreen-cumberford/  

Greg Kurinec talks to us about “retirement” planning… and what we do with our money as we tackle/plan for this next chapter (and what might happen to that money when we depart this world). Greg discusses: trusts and their efficacy considerations for dealing with the tax-person social security questions to consider when planning While Greg’s info is American, he gives so much food for thought when having the discussion with our own financial planner in our own country. Learn more about Greg at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-greg-kurinec/  

After my first few (only) highly disappointing yoga classes I was pleased to have Ellen O’Hara address all my concerns and explain what age/joint/health sensitive yoga should look like. Ellen discusses: Yoga through her nursing lens explains vinyasa yoga and trauma-informed yoga how to feel comfortable in class what the props are and how to use them balance, self-awareness, stress reduction Such great advice and tips for the new yoga participant, the achy yoga participant, the older yoga participant… maybe you’re all three! Find Ellen at Harmony Strong Yoga Learn more about Ellen and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-ellen-ohara/  

Michael Kay talks to mid-age men about the transition from work to whatever’s next.  He approached me asking if he could share how we mid-age women could support the men in our lives, how to have those non-threatening conversations.  His request was like having the tables turned when I hadn’t thought about their turnability. Michael explains: Why post-career is so difficult for men Who has the most difficulty with transitions? (Great insights and he is candid, even as he is also a man.) How so many facets of post 9-5 life aren’t considered, aren’t discussed well before the big day comes. (Just like we women don’t think about, don’t always know what we aren’t considering) The conversations we mid-age women might have with the men in our lives when they’re considering the next chapter… and when they won’t.  We both try to be honest about gender differences while maintaining respect for the opposite gender.  Except I do slip a few comments in… Find Michael at Michael Kay talks to mid-age men about the transition from work to whatever’s next.  He approached me asking if he could share how we mid-age women could support the men in our lives, how to have those non-threatening conversations.  His request was like having the tables turned when I hadn’t thought about their turnability. Michael explains: Why post-career is so difficult for men Who has the most difficulty with transitions? (Great insights and he is candid, even as he is also a man.) How so many facets of post 9-5 life aren’t considered, aren’t discussed well before the big day comes. (Just like we women don’t think about, don’t always know what we aren’t considering) The conversations we mid-age women might have with the men in our lives when they’re considering the next chapter… and when they won’t.  We both try to be honest about gender differences while maintaining respect for the opposite gender.  Except I do slip a few comments in… Michael Kay talks to mid-age men about the transition from work to whatever’s next.  He approached me asking if he could share how we mid-age women could support the men in our lives, how to have those non-threatening conversations.  His request was like having the tables turned when I hadn’t thought about their turnability. Michael explains: Why post-career is so difficult for men Who has the most difficulty with transitions? (Great insights and he is candid, even as he is also a man.) How so many facets of post 9-5 life aren’t considered, aren’t discussed well before the big day comes. (Just like we women don’t think about, don’t always know what we aren’t considering) The conversations we mid-age women might have with the men in our lives when they’re considering the next chapter… and when they won’t.  We both try to be honest about gender differences while maintaining respect for the opposite gender.  Except I do slip a few comments in… Find Michael at https://michaelfkay.com/ Learn more about Michael and find all his links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-michael-kay/  

Wendy Green is both a Boomer podcaster and a coach to help people find their vision for the next chapter of life. In this episode we discuss: Estrangement from siblings Estrangement from children Estrangement from friends Interesting topics as both of us have estrangement in our lives… and there’s a good chance you might too. I mentioned Wendy’s a Boomer podcaster too.  A bonus discussion is what an amazing experience podcasting is for both of us; how our boomer cohort is very much still on the outside looking in… and how we want you to help us spread the word what a great companion podcasts are, whether you’re a listener or a host.  The subject matter is as varied as the hosts and all the listeners – there really is something for everyone.! Find Wendy at https://heyboomer.biz/ Learn more about Wendy and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-wendy-green/  

From desert combat zones to a battle within, John Lawyer transformed from soldier to spiritual seeker. John’s military service took him to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq.  John is candid about living in war zones with his wife, his culture shock in returning to civilian life, and the VA therapist who may have saved his life. He explains: What is dharma, why is it important? How do we navigate the spiritual path in the modern age? What is being open to the universe about? What is the Stream of Unconsciousness? What’s the difference between Spirituality, Art, Science, Philosophy, Religion and Self-Help? And finally: finding Joy, at any age. Find John at https://kishar.org/ Learn more about John and find all the links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-john-lawyer/  

Dave Albin’s company is Firewalk Productions. Firewalking is a 1,000 year old rite of passage ritual and he’s firewalked hundreds of thousands of people. In this episode, he explains: firewalking glasswalking board breaks and arrow breaks why people don’t get burned why it is SO empowering for participants Dave also shares his morning ritual for health and energy. Stay tuned for his Mom’s dating advice and “Elf on the Shelf”! Find Dave at https://firewalkadventures.com/ Learn more about Dave and find all his links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-dave-albin/  

Dying.  We’re all going to do it, that‘s a given… but what happens to your property, your heirs, your business after you take your last breath? Scherrie answers: What exactly is estate planning? What are assets? What are they basic legal forms everyone should have, in terms of estate planning? Is planning with a small ,mom and pop business different from a large company with many employees? What are considerations for couples and families in asset planning and asset protection? Find Scherrie Prince at: https://scherrieprince.com/ Learn more about Scherrie and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-scherrie-prince/  

Social and media pressures haunt us from our early years all the way through to our crone years.  Even we, the wise women, are not immune. Did you know that, recently, the number of eating disorders in mid-life women has increased dramatically. In this episode I ask Nicole: Why eating disorders are increasing in mid-life women. What defines an eating disorder. Is there ever a time we might consider pharmaceutical help for weight management. The efficacy of apps and tools (think FitBit or Apple watch). Bonus topic: how we talk to our grandchildren. and stay tuned to Nicole’s story about her Zestful Aging including hunting pythons!! Find Nicole at https://zestfulaging.com/ Learn more about Nicole and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-nicole-christina/  

Mitch Albom wrote the first book. Rob Schwartz lived the reality. What reality?  Morrie Schwartz… you know, Tuesdays With Morrie, was Rob’s dad. Almost thirty years after his dad died, Rob has released a book: The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively and Joyfully – manuscripts he found in his dad’s desk years after Morrie had passed. I ask Rob about his dad, Morrie and also about his Mom, Charlotte.  I love the warmth and pride in his voice when he speaks of them. He gets emotional at one point – it’s such emphasis that love does last forever, even if the body is gone. Rob and I discuss Morrie’s advice for living a long and happy life, the concept of ‘tension of opposites’… and if you’re thinking those subjects sound a little esoteric, let me assure you, he is his father’s son and Rob keeps the conversation real, and in the present. I think you’ll find the “personal question” part of this conversation really interesting! Find Rob and the book at: https://wisdomofmorrie.com/ Learn more about Rob, and Morrie, at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-rob-schwartz/    

Sometimes when I interview health professionals, their advice sounds great but when they’re 30-40 years younger than me I can’t help but think their knowledge is based on book learning, not experience.  Carol Ebert is the exact opposite: she's the poster woman for Boomer Women. In this episode I ask her: What is your definition of "wellness"? Your speaker topic: "Too Busy For You?" - does that topic hit home for mid-life women? And what do you say to women when that topic is the basis of your presentation? The important questions: If we have grandchildren at the school or college level, how do we talk to the kids about wellness – or encourage them to develop good habits - while still staying on our grandparent pedestal? Where so genetics fit into the equation? and my inevitable:  What haven’t we talked about that you want mid-age women to think about as they plan for the future? Find Carol at https://www.your3rdact.com/ Learn more about Carol and find all her links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-carol-ebert/    

Heather Whelpley started life as an audacious, confident, whole-life child… but as she grew through her teens into womanhood, she wore the societal rules so many of us grew up with, that many of us hold true to this day. Until one day, as she says… she woke up. How did Heather wake up to this reality? Are rules gender separate or gender neutral? How did she connect to her “grounded wildness”? How do we do that? What’s her advice for us mid-age women who want to recognize and break free from some of the “brules” we’ve been living under? Find Heather at https://www.heatherwhelpley.com/ Find out more about Heather and find all her links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-heather-whelpley/  

Season 4 is done and dusted.  Who can believe it.  Before I kick off Season 5 I review the amazing guests of 2023.  It's a quick and easy review - the link to all the episodes is the show notes! Find the links to your favourite... or your missed episodes at https://boomwithabang.com/podcast-2023/  

My conversation with Gila Melamed, released in September was the most listened to episode of 2023. Gila Melamed is an acquaintance of an acquaintance of mine. I knew Miriam had travelled North America in a camperized van for six months last year and when she told me she was hosting a woman who was travelling North America in a camperized car for a year… I was intrigued. A Mazda CX-5 is a nice car… but to live in it? By choice?  I do ask some practical questions. Gila seems to be a colourful character by any standards so her adventures and stories are probably not a surprise… hopefully they will be an inspiration.  She also explains how women nomads connect with each other. So much growth for Gila as she embraces this lifestyle. Many of you will identify with her story and her experiences and her evolution. Could you be next? Follow Gila's adventures at: https://www.gilacolorguru.com/blog Find all of Gila's links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-gila-melamed/