Late Bloomer Living Podcast

EP 206: How a Divorce Led to a Life of Creativity and Purpose for Jenny Alexander

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 struggles led her to reinvent herself and build a meaningful, fulfilling career. If you're looking for inspiration to turn your own challenges into growth, this episode is for you.

 

Learn more about this episode at LateBloomerLiving.com 

EP 205: Empowered Aging: A Conversation About Life, Death, and Dignity with Alex B

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 pro-aging movement, the right to die, and how to embrace life’s transitions with autonomy and self-respect. Tune in for a conversation that challenges traditional narratives about aging and invites us all to live with intention, at any age.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on topics related to assisted dying and suicide. If these subjects are sensitive or triggering for you, please listen with care or consider skipping this episode. Remember, resources and support are available if you or someone you know is struggling.

EP 204: Embracing the Creative Process at Any Age with Audrey Steidl

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 experience in her 20s sparked the idea for her debut novel, The Fallen.  It’s a novel she started years ago, but didn’t have the bandwidth to complete while she was busy working.  

We talk about making time for creativity in the midst of the daily grind, overcoming self-doubt, and why NOW is always the perfect time to indulge your creativity. If you’ve ever felt the itch to create something new but worried it’s too late, this episode will encourage you to embrace your creativity at any age!

 

🌻 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! 

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/

EP 203: It’s Never Too Late to Live Your Best Life with Aunty Skates

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 and adventure.

 

Whether you’re thinking about picking up a board or just looking for a little inspiration, this conversation is all about breaking out of your comfort zone at any age.

 

🌻 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! 

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/

EP 202: Chasing Dreams at Any Age: Behind the Scenes with Melissa Davey

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 to climb El Capitan.  

 

Melissa talks about what it’s been like producing her second full length documentary and navigating the film festival circuit. She also shares the ups and downs of bringing this inspiring story to life and what keeps her motivated as she continues to follow her creative path. 

 

If you’ve ever felt it’s too late to try something new, this conversation will change your mind! Tune in for a boost of inspiration and insights on following your passions at any age.

EP 201: How Our Stories Shape Our Experience of Aging with Georgia Clark

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 friendships. 

 

Join us as we explore how sharing our stories not only connects us across ages but also strengthens our resilience muscles. 

 

This episode highlights the importance of recognizing and rethinking the ageist tropes that surround us in  conversations and the media—especially on Ageism Awareness Day. 

 

Tune in to discover how our stories can inspire change and foster connections that enrich our lives at any age!

 

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Georgia Clark (she/they) is an award-winning, six-time published novelist and performer. The author of Island Time, It Had To Be You, The Regulars, and The Bucket List.

Georgia's next novel, Most Wonderful, is out October 15, 2024 (The Dial Press/Penguin Random House).

As the founder and host of the popular storytelling night Generation Women, Georgia performs monthly at New York’s iconic Joe’s Pub.

 

In addition to teaching the Romance Workshop, Georgia mentors a Writers Group and Storyteller Groups, hosts Writers’ Retreats, and creates the monthly author newsletter, Heartbeat. A native Australian, Georgia lives in Brooklyn with their hot wife and sweet toddler.

EP 200: The Power of Small Steps: Crafting a Life You Love in Midlife

🎉 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 where to start with a new goal, this episode is for you. We'll dive into why small actions matter more than you think, how to start (even when you don’t feel ready), and how these tiny shifts can create major momentum.

Let's celebrate the power of small steps together on this 200th episode of Late Bloomer Living!

EP 199: One Sexy Story at a Time: Shifting Perceptions of Aging with Stella Fosse

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. 

 

Stella shares why writing is so powerful for women past midlife, and how creating stories with older female characters could actually shift the way people view aging and sexuality. 

 

Whether you’re curious about writing, creativity, or just want to shake up how you think about aging, this conversation is for you.

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Stella Fosse is an author of a certain age who in her sixties started writing sexy stories as a creative antidote to the gendered ageism women face in society. She published her first novel at the age of 68. 

 

Stella’s story collection, The Erotic Pandemic Ball, explores romance in quarantine. Her first novel Brilliant Charming Bastard is a romantic escapade through the San Francisco biotech scene. Her second novel, Vampires of a Certain Age, celebrates the love life of a 500-year-old woman. 

 

With her new book, Write & Sell a Well-Seasoned Romance, Stella continues to inspire the creativity of women of a certain age.  Her previous book on writing is Aphrodite’s Pen: The Power of Writing Erotica after Midlife. 

 

Stella also blogs about creativity, romance, and older women’s health.   She shares her writing, as well as resources to empower women past midlife, at www.stellafosse.com.

EP 198: Have You Played Today?

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 taking on new skating challenges.

Yvonne also explores how internalized ageism can hold us back and why embracing a playful mindset could be the key to aging with more joy and less stress.

Tune in for some inspiration on how to add more fun to your everyday life!

EP 197: I Wish I'd Known Then What I Know Now: Life Advice to My Younger Self - Season 4 Finale

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 advice and reflections. It’s a mix of personal stories and thoughtful tips that I think you'll really enjoy.

 

Thank you for being with me throughout this season. I’m taking a short break, but I'll be back with Season 5 on September 18th, 2024 with more inspiring stories and conversations. Until then, take a wander through the past episodes and see if there’s something interesting that you missed.  There are 196 episodes to choose from!

 

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

 

Stay in touch during the break!

 

🌻 Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.  

🌻 Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for additional content. 

🌻 Subscribe for email updates.  I’ll be keeping subscribers posted with behind the scenes information during the break. 

 

🛼 During the break, you can also tune into the Salty Sisters Live Stream where I team up with the freakin’ fabulous Cat Corchado every other Friday at noon, Eastern Time to talk about all things related to Aging with a Salty Attitude. We are busting up the old paradigms about aging and having fun while we do it.  

 

Enjoy your summer, KEEP BLOOMING, and I'll see you in the fall!