

The Midlife Chrysalis
Chip Conley
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 59min
From Famous Father to Finding Purpose: Scott Eastwood at Midlife
What happens when a successful actor—and the son of a Hollywood legend—hits midlife and starts asking deeper questions?In this powerful episode, Scott Eastwood opens up about building his own identity beyond Clint Eastwood’s shadow, what 40+ films have taught him, and why he’s now prioritizing purpose over fame. He reflects on masculinity, mentorship, mistakes, and what it really means to grow wiser with age.What happens when a successful actor—and the son of a Hollywood legend—hits midlife and starts asking deeper questions?In this powerful episode, Scott Eastwood opens up about building his own identity beyond Clint Eastwood’s shadow, what 40+ films have taught him, and why he’s now prioritizing purpose over fame. He reflects on masculinity, mentorship, mistakes, and what it really means to grow wiser with age.Feeling your own shift? Subscribe to The Midlife Chrysalis and explore Modern Elder Academy’s workshops designed to help you thrive in midlife and beyond.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:41 Chip’s Relationship With His Dad 08:28 A Prolific Film Career09:38 Working with Clint Eastwood10:51 Carving His Own Path13:54 New Projects & Genre Exploration15:52 Masculinity in Modern Culture18:09 Growing & Maturing as a Man19:26 Questioning & Redefining Midlife21:32 Childhood Dreams & Creative Shifts24:05 Aging, Directing & Creative Control27:1 Time, Regret & Following Your Gut31:51 The Outpost Movie & Hyperbaric Healing35:07 Real Wellness, Not Wellness Trends37:16 Life Lessons & Emotional Maturity39:44 How Scott Hopes to Be Remembered41:31 Lessons from Mom & Dad43:20 Having Mentors & Becoming One44:13 Scott’s Wisdom Bumper Sticker49:13 Healing a Father-Son RelationshipLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#ScottEastwood #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #ClintEastwood #MasculinityToday #ActorLife #FilmIndustry #PersonalGrowth #LegacyAndIdentity #MidlifeReflection #LifeLessons #EmotionalMaturity #CreativeJourney #WellnessWisdom #FollowYourGut

Jul 16, 2025 • 59min
Why Krista Tippett Walked Away at the Peak of Her Career
What happens when one of the most thoughtful voices in public life hits a wall?In this deeply personal conversation, Krista Tippett opens up about burnout, walking away from success, and rediscovering joy in midlife. From letting go of exhaustion to falling in love again, she shares the hard-won wisdom that’s reshaping how she lives, works, and loves. It’s a moving reminder that it’s never too late to begin again, so don’t miss this one.Subscribe for more powerful conversations that spark reflection, reinvention, and real change in midlife.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Setup00:46 Introducing Lee and the Unique Cast of Guests01:52 What Makes a Great Interviewer?06:12 Interviewing John O’Donohue09:57 Thresholds and Transitions12:58 Krista’s Childhood and Upbringing in Oklahoma17:40 The Bible as Her First Text of Imagination20:00 Interviewing Richard Rohr and Men’s Spiritual Lives23:36 Krista’s Midlife Reflections27:06 Midlife Chrysalis and Personal Transformation30:53 Building a Life Around Love and Friendship35:36 What She’d Regret Not Doing38:09 What Brings Joy Now42:03 Defining Wisdom and Growing Wiser46:26 Staying Grounded Through Rituals and Attention51:43 Rethinking Retirement54:29 The Aging Brain and Synthesizing Wisdom57:46 Wisdom Bumper StickerLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeWisdom #OnBeing #KristaTippett #MidlifeTransformation #SpiritualGrowth #LifeAfter40 #InnerLife #FindingPurpose #EmotionalResilience #WomenOver40 #BecomingWise #SoulfulLiving #PersonalGrowthJourney #AgingWithGrace #DeepConversations

Jul 10, 2025 • 57min
What Burning Man Teaches Us About Aging, Identity & Legacy | Marian Goodell
What if your so-called “midlife crisis” was actually a doorway to reinvention? In this powerful conversation, Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell joins Chip Conley to explore how the radical spirit of Burning Man offers surprising lessons on aging, identity, leadership, and legacy. From embracing impermanence to finding purpose without a script, this episode is a deep dive into how midlife can be your most creative and meaningful chapter yet.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:40 Chips Connection to Burning Man04:43 What Burning Man Really Is07:01 How Burning Man Became a Global Movement08:47 The Core Principles That Guide Everything11:13 Radical Self-Expression and Creating Without Expectation13:38 Why Burning Man Attracts People in Midlife Transition16:43 Loss, Legacy, and What We Leave Behind21:46 Lessons from Larry Harvey as a Modern Elder25:05 What She Learned as a Burning Man’s CEO33:00 What Is Fly Ranch and Why It Matters36:28 Fly Ranch Like Burning Man’s Feminine Side39:24 Three Tips for Burning Man First-Timers42:14 Burning the Man and Temple Rituals47:22 The Healing Power of Ritual50:08 Why MEA Resonates with Burners53:40 Wisdom Bumper StickerLearn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/#BurningMan #MidlifeCrisis #MidlifeTransformation #MarianGoodell #BurningMan2025 #PersonalGrowth #ReinventionAfter40 #MidlifeAwakening #LifeAfter50 #SpiritualJourney #BurningManExperience #RadicalSelfExpression #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #PurposeInMidlife

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.