
The Midlife Chrysalis
The Midlife Chrysalis is a one-hour podcast hosted by Chip Conley, bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife and founder of MEA (Modern Elder Academy). Chip and his high-profile guests – including Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, Elizabeth Gilbert, Michael Franti, and more – dive into raw, vulnerable conversations about the profound transitions they’ve experienced in midlife.
Listeners get a rare look at how even the most successful individuals have to navigate life’s pivotal changes – and gain practical wisdom they can apply in their own lives for a more fulfilling and purposeful next chapter.
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2025 • 58min
Psychedelics, Purpose & the Next Chapter of John Mackey’s Life
What does it really take to start over at 69?In this inspiring episode, Whole Foods founder John Mackey shares how psychedelics, purpose, and love reshaped his path after selling to Amazon.From ego death to building Love Life wellness centers, he opens up about business regrets, spiritual breakthroughs, and midlife transformation. You'll learn how conscious capitalism evolves with age—and why love might be the ultimate business strategy.Subscribe for more honest conversations about midlife renewal, purpose-driven living, and personal reinvention.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:27 Meet John Mackey01:27 Psychedelics, Ego Death, and Food as Purpose07:44 Love, Breakups, and Big Business Shifts08:37 Austin in the '70s and Building Whole Foods10:40 Advice to His Younger Self12:34 From Atheism to Spiritual Adventure14:36 What Is Conscious Capitalism?17:15 How Whole Foods Revolutionized Grocery Stores19:28 Learning to Communicate with Kindness21:46 Selling Whole Foods to Amazon28:17 Why He Finally Left Whole Foods29:25 Healing Journey Through Plant Medicine31:28 What Is Love Life?37:56 Psychodelics as Therapeutic Method40:21 Challenges and Financial Realities43:21 Longevity Myths and What Actually Works47:49 Redefining Retirement with Purpose49:54 What He’d Regret Not Doing52:09 Wisdom Bumper Sticker55:33 Final ReflectionsLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#JohnMackey #WholeFoods #ConsciousCapitalism #MidlifeTransformation #LongevityTips #PlantMedicine #PsychedelicHealing #PurposeDrivenLife #HolisticHealth #LoveLifeWellness #SpiritualGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #ChipConley #FoundersJourney #ReinventYourself

Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 5min
Rich Roll on Reinventing Yourself After Rock Bottom
In this inspiring conversation, Rich Roll, a former addict turned world-class endurance athlete and podcaster, shares his remarkable journey of transformation. He discusses hitting rock bottom and how it led him to find true purpose through sobriety and plant-based nutrition. Rich reflects on the importance of vulnerability, rejecting societal pressures, and the power of genuine connections. He also delves into his transition from writing to podcasting and emphasizes the value of service in uncovering new opportunities for personal growth.

4 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 53min
Reinvention After 50 with Seth Godin: Make Life Your Best Work of Art
Seth Godin, bestselling author and entrepreneur renowned for his marketing insights, shares his transformative views on midlife. He argues that this stage can be a creative renaissance rather than a crisis. Topics include the significance of 'the dip' in personal growth, the importance of aligning work with one's values, and the potential for reinvention. Seth encourages embracing aging as an opportunity for legacy-building and emphasizes the power of creativity in shaping a fulfilling life beyond 50.

Jun 11, 2025 • 46min
You Can’t Scare Me: Hoda Kotb on Starting Over and Fearless Living After 50
Hoda Kotb, a celebrated journalist and author, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and reinvention after turning 40. She candidly discusses overcoming breast cancer, navigating a tumultuous marriage, and finding joy through adoption at 52. Hoda highlights the power of starting over and embracing new experiences in one’s 50s and 60s. Her reflections on love, motherhood, and the mindset of lifelong learning encourage listeners to face life's challenges with courage and gratitude.

Jun 2, 2025 • 54min
Maria Shriver: Healing Old Wounds & Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be
Maria Shriver, an award-winning journalist and advocate for women's health, shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery after a life filled with public scrutiny and familial expectations. She discusses confronting the emptiness behind external success, embracing vulnerability, and redefining purpose beyond achievement. Maria reflects on her Catholic upbringing, the power of poetry in healing, and the beauty of aging. This heartfelt conversation encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and navigate their own midlife transformations.

Jun 2, 2025 • 58min
Break Up With What You Don’t Need: Michael Franti on Healing & Growth
This week features Michael Franti, an award-winning musician known for his unique blend of hip hop, reggae, and folk. He shares his inspiring journey of healing and transformation, emphasizing how music has helped him reconnect with himself and others. Michael discusses the importance of letting go of old stories, breaking free from emotional patterns, and the ongoing effort to stay present in a distracted world. His insights on fatherhood and navigating generational bonds offer profound wisdom for anyone seeking personal growth.

Jun 2, 2025 • 57min
From Wall Street to Inner Peace: The Emotional Journey of Jerry Colonna
Discover the transformative journey of a former venture capitalist who navigates the turbulent waters of midlife. From the brink of despair to finding inner peace, he shares pivotal moments and wisdom that challenge societal views on success. Explore the healing power of vulnerability and human connection, and learn why true leadership begins with self-care. Delve into insights on aging gracefully, embracing a beginner's mindset, and the joy found in life's bittersweet moments.

Jun 2, 2025 • 3min
Intro
Welcome to the very first episode of The Midlife Chrysalis!Chip Conley kicks off this amazing podcast by redefining midlife. It’s not as a crisis, but a powerful chrysalis for transformation.He shares his own wild journey and reveals why your 40s, 50s, and beyond can be the most meaningful years of your life. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming guests like Maria Shriver, Brian Chesky, Gavin Newsom, and more. If you're ready to reinvent yourself and thrive in midlife, this is your new go-to podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Chrysalis00:40 My Journey from Crisis to Chrysalis01:24 Midlife as Time of Major Transition02:15 Why This Podcast Matters02:24 Upcoming Guests03:08 An Invitation to Join the JourneyLearn more about MEA at MEAWisdom.com#MidlifeTransformation #ReinventYourLife #ModernElder #MidlifeJourney #AgingWithPurpose #MidlifeMotivation #LifeAfter40 #LifeAfter50 #SecondActSuccess #MidlifeReinvention #PurposefulLiving #LongevityMindset #ChipConley #UCurveOfHappiness #MidlifeWisdom