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Second Breaks

Lou Blaser

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Coffee chats with people I want to learn from — about life, work, becoming, and figuring things out (often in midlife, but not always). Hosted by Lou Blaser. About The Host: Lou Blaser is a corporate escapee turned writer, podcast host, and resident philosopher-next-door. She writes We’re All Getting Older — a newsletter about joy, purpose, and figuring out what matters now. She’s also the author of Break Free: The Courage to Reinvent Yourself and Your Career. loublaser.substack.com
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🌻 A Fresh Perspective on Midlife and Aging! 🌻 Every Wednesday, join host Yvonne Marchese as she interviews inspiring guests who’ve dared to reinvent themselves in midlife and experts who provide valuable guidance on navigating the unique challenges of aging. From health and wellness to creativity, business, relationships, and personal growth — each episode offers practical advice, uplifting stories, and fresh perspectives on aging.
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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,…
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What is delight, really? Not just happiness, not quite joy, but something sparkier and more surprising. In this episode, I talk with writer and yoga therapist Alex Lovell, whose essay “Delight: A Radical Invitation” caught me at just the right time. We explore what makes delight feel different from other emotions, how we can (maybe?) invite more of…
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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 wis…
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Author and educator Irene Buchine didn’t learn to read until she was 34—and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and publish a powerful children’s book about emotional struggle. In this heartfelt conversation, Irene shares her journey through undiagnosed dyslexia, childhood trauma, and the long road to healing. We talk about the courage i…
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Honoring Her Mother’s Dream When actor and audiobook narrator Hollis McCarthy helped her mom, Dee Maltby, publish a fantasy novel that had been sitting in a drawer for over 30 years, she never imagined it would lead to an eight-book series—or a deeply meaningful creative journey. In this special Mother's Day episode, Hollis shares how she became he…
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Ever feel like you're carrying the weight of the world alone? In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, award-winning podcaster Dominic Lawson joins me to talk about breaking the stigma, navigating midlife transitions, and why sharing our struggles is key to healing. If you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or isolated, this episode is a reminder—you do…
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In this episode, Wendy Battles, host of Reinvention Rebels, shares her journey of reinvention and offers practical advice for anyone feeling stuck. Wendy talks about how to embrace change at any age, trust yourself, and take small steps toward something new. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a nudge to move forward, this conversation is pac…
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How to Keep Love Alive—Or Find It Again—After 50 Is it really possible to find—or rekindle—love after 50? Life coach and relationship expert Laurie Gerber says yes, without compromising who you are or what you want. In this episode, we talk about how to stop repeating old patterns, how to use Laurie’s “Three H’s” (Head, Heart, and Hoo-Ha) to evalua…
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Are you running on empty and calling it productivity? In this episode, my good friend Lou Blaser joins me for a heart-to-heart about shifting from hustle mode to a more intentional rhythm of work and rest. Lou is a woman who stays busy—she writes the weekly newsletter We’re All Getting Older and hosts the Second Breaks podcast, where she explores m…
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Embracing Change and Aging Boldly After facing profound loss, including the death of her husband, Debbie McCulloch found herself asking, "Who am I now?"—a question that led her to embrace new beginnings and launch her podcast, Older & Bolder. In this episode, Debbie shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and the belief that aging is a privi…
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Can your words and thoughts shape your reality? In this episode, Rachel Strabley, a certified consulting hypnotist, shares how small mindset shifts can create big changes. We explore how fear and excitement feel the same in the body, why the way you talk to yourself matters, and how hypnosis can help rewire limiting beliefs no matter your age. Plus…
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Why Midlife Transitions Feel So Uncomfortable (And What to Do About It) Are you feeling stuck or lost in the messy, in-between stage of midlife? Whether you’re an empty nester, going through a career change, or just searching for a new sense of purpose, this episode is for you. I’m talking with Rebecca Sutherns, an author and Midlife Transition Coa…
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Too Scared to Dance—Now She’s Inspiring Thousands! What if the key to transforming your life was simply finding something that makes you feel joyful? Something that feels more like play than exercise? In this episode, I’m talking with Shanon Hunt, the creator of Midlife Shuffle on YouTube and Instagram, who went from being too terrified to dance in…
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The Power of Being You Ever wondered how to truly embrace who you are after 50? In this episode of Late Bloomer Living, I chat with Donna Cravotta, the creative mind behind Cravotta Media Group and the Real 50 Over 50 community. Donna shares how reclaiming your true identity and embracing who you are after 50 can transform your life. It’s a convers…
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Ever feel like life’s nonstop demands leave you drained? Is the relentless news cycle and endless scrolling leaving you overwhelmed and stressed? Have you ever thought about taking a break to play? In this episode, Yvonne shows you that play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for cutting through stress, sparking creativity, and helping you ha…
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Matthew Long, retired Navy officer and writer at Beyond the Bookshelf, joins me in this conversation about planning for a major life change. Too often, we drift into the next thing simply because it’s familiar. In this conversation, Matthew explains how he avoided this drift and planned his post-retirement life after a long career in the Navy. ABOU…
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Curiosity, Courage, and Change Ever felt like it's too late to follow your dreams? In this episode, David Heuvelman proves that reinvention has no expiration date. David took a bold leap by heading to law school in his 60s after a career in theater and event production. He shares how he overcame imposter syndrome, how his age was actually a benefit…
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Your Next Adventure is Waiting At 87, writer and comedian Carolyn Meyer is living proof that it’s never too late to shake things up. After losing her third husband, she took an improv class on a whim—and ended up launching a whole new career in stand-up, storytelling, and podcasting. From hilarious online dating misadventures to creating her raunch…
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What does it take to truly live as your authentic self? In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Cole, host of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, to talk about her extraordinary path to self-acceptance. Wendy knew from a young age that she was a girl, but societal expectations forced her to hide her true identity for decades. It wasn’t until she w…
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Trading Fast-Paced for Fulfillment In this episode, Yvonne sits down with Jean Shields Fleming, a writer who reinvented her life in her late 50s by trading a fast-paced corporate career in the U.S. for a more peaceful life in a small Greek village. Jean shares how this bold move inspired her to launch Certain Age Magazine, a platform that celebrate…
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I am joined by Yvonne Marchese, whose boundless energy and fearless approach to trying new things always inspire me. In this lively conversation, Yvonne shares her secrets to staying energized, curious, and playful in midlife (and beyond). ABOUT MY GUEST: Yvonne Marchese is a former actress turned photographer, podcaster, author, age-agitator, and …
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What No One Told You About Hormones and Menopause Think menopause is just hot flashes? Think again. Kate Wells joins Yvonne to reveal the surprising truths about hormones and how they shape your health and happiness. Hormones impact everything—sleep, mood, intimacy—and yet most of us are left in the dark. This episode is here to change that. Why Li…
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11 Minutes to Fitness: A Midlife Guide to Getting Started In this episode, Yvonne chats with Cat Corchado, seasoned fitness expert and movement specialist with over 40 years of experience, about how fitness can be accessible and empowering for everyone—no matter your age or starting point. Cat is back on the podcast for the third time to talk about…
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Kickstart Your Health Goals with Allan Misner January is all about setting goals that stick, and today’s guest is here to help you do just that! Allan Misner, a fitness expert and host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, returns to Late Bloomer Living to talk about staying fit as we age, navigating tough times like the pandemic, and practical tips to overc…
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The Science of Habits: How Tiny Actions Lead to Big Results In this episode, Yvonne sits down with certified habit coach, Ronnie Lo, to explore the transformative power of small, consistent actions. Ronnie shares her four-step method for building habits, emphasizing the importance of tactile engagement, celebrating small wins, and shifting your min…
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What’s stopping you from trying something new? If fear, doubt, or feeling “too old” is holding you back, this episode is for you. In this replay of episode 13, Yvonne shares her personal journey of starting the podcast, battling imposter syndrome and learning new skills. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of finding community and support throug…
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I’m back! The podcast has been on hiatus since August, which has given me the time to plan the way forward. In this episode, I talk about rocks versus pebbles (you know that story, right?) and how that analogy has helped me define the future of this podcast. I also discuss how the podcast complements We’re All Getting Older (the main publication) a…
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What if one word could guide you through the year, like a little compass pointing you toward what matters most? In this short episode, Yvonne shares how choosing a word of the year has helped her stay focused and intentional, even on the tough days. She talks about words she’s chosen in past years—like help, play, and community—and how each one sha…
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What if the challenges in your life have been happening for you, not to you? In this episode, Andrew Dewar—CPA, skeptic turned life coach, and co-founder of the coaching program Five Year You—shares his journey of transformation. Despite achieving financial freedom and checking off the “ideal life” goals, Andrew felt unfulfilled. A hockey accident …
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What if playfulness could help you navigate life’s toughest moments? In this episode, I sit down with Lou Blaser, host of Second Breaks and writer of We’re All Getting Older, to talk about finding moments of joy and humor even when the world feels overwhelming. We talk about allowing space to grieve when you need it, prioritizing self-care and find…
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It’s Thanksgiving week, and what better time to revisit this special episode all about gratitude? Originally aired in 2021, this short and sweet reflection is a reminder to pause, look around, and truly soak in the beauty of the everyday moments. In this episode, I dive into why Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and explore the transforma…
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What if your next chapter wasn’t about slowing down but diving into something completely new? In this episode, my guest is Jeanne Blasberg, an award winning novelist who’s also taken a surprising turn into farming. Jeanne has worn many hats—from corporate banker to stay-at-home mom to author—and now she’s embracing regenerative farming to repair th…
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Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to turn a difficult life event into something positive? In this episode, Yvonne chats with Jenny Alexander, who did just that. After a challenging divorce, Jenny found a new path as a writer and entrepreneur, eventually publishing 13 books. She shares how her desire to help others going through similar strugg…
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In this episode, Yvonne speaks with Alex B, an academic turned model and activist who embodies a bold and liberated approach to aging. Alex shares her journey of moving from an academic career into modeling and activism later in life, and how she’s followed her evolving interests with purpose and passion. Yvonne and Alex discuss her views on the pr…
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Do you miss the creative freedom you had before life got busy with work and responsibilities? In this episode, I sit down with Audrey Steidl, first-time novelist, to talk about how she found creative freedom in writing after her career as an actress, television producer and years in the hospitality industry. Audrey shares how a paranormal experienc…
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Ever feel like you’re sitting on the sidelines of your own life? In this episode, I chat with Auntie Skates, who started skateboarding in her 40s and found more than just a new hobby—she found courage, resilience, and a whole new outlook on life. We talk about her journey of learning to fall, facing fear, and why it’s never too late to embrace play…
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Ever wonder what it takes to completely reinvent yourself later in life? In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Melissa Davey for the second time to get an update on her life since she quit her corporate career to become a filmmaker. We dive into the making of her second film, Climbing Into Life, the story of Dierdre Wolownick, the oldest woman…
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What if the stories we tell could reshape our understanding of aging? What if that led to happier and healthier lives as we age? In this episode, we’re sitting down with Georgia Clark, author and founder of the storytelling series, Generation Women, to talk about the power of storytelling and its role in building meaningful intergenerational friend…
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🎉 200 episodes! Can you believe it? 🎉 In this special milestone episode, we're talking about the real secret to making big changes in your life—spoiler alert: it's not about huge leaps. It’s all about the small steps. You know, those little things that seem too simple but end up making all the difference? If you've ever felt stuck or unsure of wher…
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What if getting older wasn’t something to dread but something to celebrate? In this episode, Yvonne chats with Stella Fosse, a writer who found her creative groove in her 60s. Stella is on a mission to help women in midlife and beyond rediscover their power through storytelling. They talk about how midlife can unlock a whole new level of freedom. S…
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Have you made time to play lately? In this episode, Yvonne returns for season five and talks about why play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for stress relief, staying sharp and feeling good as we age. She shares personal stories from her summer, including recovering from a shoulder injury, moving her oldest into a college apartment, and ta…
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Some things are changing around here, and I wanted to share the thought process, where I'm coming from and what's next for the podcast. Please be sure to subscribe to We're All Getting Older, to hear about future releases. We're All Getting Older is a weekly publication that explores living a fulfilling and meaningful second half of our lives. FOOT…
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This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and a community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older. I am joined by writing coach and bestselling author Jen Louden. In this episode, we chat about the aspirations many midlife individuals have to write a book. Jen emphasizes the importance of recognizing th…
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Have you ever thought about what advice you'd give your younger self? As I just turned 56, I've been pleasantly surprised by how happy I am to be this age. It got me thinking about the wisdom I've gained over the years and what I'd share with my younger self. In this final episode of Season 4, I invited some friends and listeners to share their own…
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What would you do if you had the chance to start over after a life-changing experience? In this episode of Late Bloomer Living, we chat with Diana Place, Founder of Third Act Quest and the 333 Collective. She’s a cancer survivor who reinvented herself in the second act of life. Diana shares her journey of overcoming challenges, discovering her pass…
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What kind of courage does it take to truly follow your heart? In this episode, Yvonne is speaking with nutritionist, Robin Muhammad, who spent years in an unfulfilling relationship with her daughter’s father before realizing she was staying for the wrong reasons. She then made the bold decision to leave a life of comfort and discovered herself in t…
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This episode is brought to you by We're All Getting Older, a publication and community for midlifers who want to get better as they get older. Grief is a universal experience, yet it is deeply personal and unique to each individual. In this episode, I continue the conversation about grief and explore the relationship and connection between grieving…
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In this episode, Yvonne chats with Michelle Folan, who left her corporate job to become a health coach and started a podcast at the age of 58, all inspired by her own quest to get healthy. Michelle shares her journey and the life-changing benefits she’s experienced. She also shares some solid tips and advice specific to midlife women and talks abou…
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Have you been dreaming about traveling, but you aren’t ready to retire? Maybe you’ve heard the term “digital nomad”, but it brings to mind images of beautiful, young influencers roaming the world taking selfies at remote locations. Are you telling yourself you’re too old to get out and travel on your own? Meet Siobhan Farr, a digital nomad in her 6…
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In this episode, we sit down with Sky Bergman, an award-winning photographer turned documentary filmmaker, to discuss her inspiring journey that started with documenting her grandmother's cooking and grew into producing an impactful film titled "Lives Well Lived." This film celebrates the incredible wit and wisdom of adults aged 75 to 100 who are l…
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