Late Bloomer Living Podcast

EP 238: Turning Pain into Poetry with Jacqueline Perez

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! 🛼 💥

EP 237: Style and Strength: Jennifer Polt’s Journey of Midlife Reinvention

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! 🛼 💥

EP 236: Why Adults Need Play Too with Tabitha Dell'Angelo

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! 🛼 💥

 

 

EP 235: Reinvention After 50: My Biggest Takeaways from 5 Years of Podcasting

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! 🛼 💥

EP 234: Midlife Makeover: Reclaiming Your Style and Your Story with Hardie Cobbs

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! 🛼 💥

 

EP 233: From Childhood Trauma to Self-Love with Rachel Linnett

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/

EP 232: Healing Doesn’t Follow a Timeline with Irene Buchine

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 it takes to face the dark places in ourselves, the power of creative expression, and why reinvention has no expiration date.

 

🌻 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/

EP 231: Two Voices, One Story: A Daughter’s Journey to Help Her Mom Publish with Hollis McCarthy

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 her mother’s editor, co-writer, and narrator, helping bring a long-held dream to life. It’s a powerful story about legacy, second acts, and the magic that can unfold when we say yes to what’s been waiting inside us all along.

🌻 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 230: Mental Health Rewritten: A Conversation with Dominic Lawson

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 don’t have to do it alone.

 

🌻 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 229: How to Reinvent Yourself When You Feel Stuck - With Wendy Battles

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 packed with valuable insights on how to reinvent yourself and embrace what’s next.

🌻 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/