The Midlife Chrysalis

Barbara Waxman, a gerontologist and author of The Middle Essence Manifesto, redefines midlife as a time of renewal rather than crisis. She introduces the concept of "Middleessence," highlighting its importance in personal growth. Topics include the benefits of happiness after 50, the transformative Energy Audit, and the seven lifestyle levers for thriving. Waxman emphasizes the power of mindset over genetics and shares insights on living undiminished, encouraging listeners to embrace joy and meaningful relationships in this vibrant life stage.

Mark Nepo, bestselling poet and philosopher, shares insights from his journey as a cancer survivor. He explores the concept of the 'Fifth Season,' a transformative phase of life where inner growth outshines external achievements. With heartfelt wisdom, he discusses how facing mortality reshaped his understanding of creativity, urging listeners to live authentically and embrace vulnerability. Mark also reflects on the role of friendship in spiritual growth and the value of simplicity as we age, reminding us that life is a beautiful work of art.

Tamsen Fadal, a journalist turned menopause advocate and creator of The M Factor documentary, shares her transformative journey. She recounts a pivotal moment on air that led her to confront her own menopause symptoms, like hot flashes and memory lapses. Tamsen discusses her mission to break the silence surrounding menopause and highlights the importance of education and finding certified specialists. With humor and insight, she reframes midlife as a time of opportunity, urging women to embrace their 'bolden years' and live fully.

Dacher Keltner, a psychologist from UC Berkeley and author of "Born to Be Good," shares his insights on the transformative power of awe. He explores how experiencing awe can boost health, purpose, and connection, especially during midlife. Dacher discusses the science behind collective joy and moral beauty, highlighting how shared experiences bond us. He also introduces the concept of "awe walks," revealing their benefits for well-being. Tune in to learn how rediscovering wonder can enhance your everyday life!

Eric Miron, formerly known as Ricky Williams, is a former Heisman Trophy winner turned healer and astrologer. In a candid conversation, he delves into his journey from the pressures of NFL stardom to seeking authenticity and self-discovery. Miron shares how depression and therapy prompted a transformative exploration of spirituality and astrology. He discusses the importance of redefining masculinity, integrating feminine qualities, and finding purpose beyond the game. His insights on letting go and trusting oneself are truly inspiring.

Rainn Wilson, best known as Dwight Schrute from The Office, discusses his journey from Hollywood fame to spiritual seeker. He shares insights on the meaning of soul and the impact of his Baha'i upbringing on his spiritual beliefs. Rainn reflects on the 1960s spiritual revolution, tackles the challenges of sudden fame in midlife, and emphasizes the importance of service as life's true purpose. Their conversation dives into the balance of ego and soul, devotional practices, and his new Soul Boom Workbook, providing listeners with a roadmap for personal growth and connection.

What if the worst thing that ever happened to you became the very thing that set you free? 🌱 In this deeply moving episode, Dr. BJ Miller—physician, amputee, and palliative care visionary—shares how a near-fatal accident in college transformed his understanding of life, loss, and what it really means to live fully. From his journey through unimaginable pain to founding Mettle Health, BJ reveals how facing mortality can open the door to compassion, creativity, and peace.If you’ve ever feared aging, grief, or change, this conversation will completely shift your perspective.👉 Watch now and discover how to turn life’s hardest moments into your greatest teachers. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:36 The Accident That Changed Everything04:17 Processing Grief and Feeling “Seen”09:27 Rebuilding Life in His 20s14:46 From Art History to Medicine16:24 Discovering Palliative Care20:27 What Palliative Care Really Means24:26 Spiritual Dimensions of Caregiving27:16 What We Get Wrong About Death29:42 Making All Healthcare Palliative32:44 Founding Mettle Health36:56 Advice for Caregivers41:25 The Power of Grief43:50 BJ’s Midlife Chrysalis47:49 What People Regret Most Before Death51:48 Dying as a Creative Act55:25 Wisdom Bumper StickerLearn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#BJMIller #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley #EndOfLifeCare #PalliativeCare #HospiceCare #GriefAndHealing #MidlifeWisdom #CaregivingJourney #FindingMeaning #LifeAndDeath #SpiritualGrowth #EmotionalResilience #MindfulLiving #AuthenticLife

In this conversation with Daniel Pink, a bestselling author renowned for his works on motivation and timing, listeners discover the power of regret as a guide in life. Pink shares his insights on midlife as a creative turning point, emphasizing the importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose over mere paychecks. He discusses the joy and challenge of becoming a beginner again after 50, his year-long sabbatical, and the value of reimagining retirement into a regenerative phase. His reflections highlight the wisdom gained through aging and the importance of living authentically.

What happens when the person you love most slowly begins to disappear before your eyes? In this deeply emotional and inspiring conversation, Emma Heming Willis opens up about life with Bruce Willis following his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and how she turned heartbreak into purpose. Joined by Helen Christoni, co-founder of Make Time Wellness, the two reveal why women’s brain health is so often ignored, what every caregiver needs to hear, and how to rediscover joy even in the hardest seasons of life.👉 Watch now and learn how making time for yourself might just be the most powerful act of care there is. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:54 How Helen and Emma created Make Time Wellness04:47 Hormones, estrogen loss, and dementia risk06:03 Helen’s personal connection to dementia08:04 Starting Make Time as Bruce’s symptoms appeared08:51 How Emma met Bruce Willis and first signs of FTD12:05 Understanding anosognosia and early dementia signs15:29 The meaning of ambiguous loss for caregivers18:45 Practical tools and exercises for caregivers20:37 Redefining self-care and “making time”21:20 How others can help caregivers in real ways24:09 The caregiving crisis and policy change needed28:43 Gender roles and men’s perspective on caregiving31:00 Make Time Wellness mission and products34:49 Bruce Willis’s current condition and progression38:20 How their daughters are coping and family life39:24 Emma’s and Helen’s advice for caregivers40:57 Wisdom bumper sticker44:57 Closing reflections and gratitude Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#EmmaHemingWillis #HelenChristoni #MidlifeCaregiving #WomensBrainHealth #CaregiverSupport #FrontotemporalDementia #DementiaAwareness #MakeTimeWellness #MidlifeResilience #SelfCareReimagined #MidlifeWisdom #WomenSupportingWomen #CaregivingJourney #FindingJoyAgain #ModernElderAcademy

What if everything you’ve been taught about happiness and success is upside down?In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley talks with Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor, bestselling author, and former French horn prodigy, about his remarkable journey from the concert stage to the world of behavioral science. Together, they unpack why strivers burn out, how our brains shift from fluid to crystallized intelligence, and the simple formula that can turn midlife from a crisis into a transformation.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Listen now and start rethinking your own second curve. Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:06 Arthur Brooks’ origins and family background02:59 Religious upbringing and conversion to Catholicism04:56 Navigating academia and faith in secular environments07:08 Early music training and struggles to become the best13:06 Striver mentality and American entrepreneurship DNA16:41 Leaving music for economics and behavioral science20:52 Imposter syndrome and skills learned from performance22:33 Becoming CEO of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)29:05 Burnout, midlife shift, and vital plane encounter 32:19 Plane encounter with a famous figure and reflection on decline35:47 Realizing the need for a second curve38:10 How we move from fluid to crystallized intelligence42:43 Airbnb and the role of “modern elder” wisdom45:02 Advice for shifting into careers built on crystallized intelligence46:56 The danger of pride and Dante’s frozen Satan metaphor49:40 Learning to want less: the secret to second-curve happiness54:39 Editing life instead of accumulating - reverse bucket lists55:55 Generativity, religion, and aging with meaning57:16 Policy thoughts on midlife education and wisdom schools1:01:59 Wisdom bumper sticker1:05:28 Closing reflections from Chip Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/