The Midlife Chrysalis

What happens when Don Lemon gets truly unfiltered?In this heartfelt, funny, and deeply honest conversation, Don opens up about aging with confidence, coming out in midlife, letting go of old shame, and the freedom that comes from no longer needing anyone’s approval. We talk about identity, love, sex, wisdom, and why his mantra “old people be knowing” captures the real gift of growing older.Don also reflects on the state of media, the “prime” controversy, and how stepping away from traditional news helped him reclaim his voice and his joy. If you’re ready for truth, evolution, and a warm reminder that life after 50 can get better, tune in. Watch now. Timestamps:00:00 Chip’s episode opening00:57 Don on aging and happiness02:34 Don’s childhood and early years03:38 Politics, Reagan, and identity06:52 Dating while closeted09:52 College years and social life12:17 First gay bar experiences16:20 Don’s coming-out story19:47 Coming out publically in a book21:41 Midlife chrysalis and confidence25:10 What gets better with age28:28 The “prime” controversy explained34:07 State of media and independence36:30 Politics, division, and future outlook37:26 Don on never retiring38:49 Possible regret 10 years from now40:24 Don’s wisdom bumper sticker43:543 Judy Garland and music icons46:50 Chip’s reflections Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ Keywords:#DonLemon #midlife #agingwell #lifeafter50 #midlifefreedom #midliferenaissance #comingoutstory #lgbtqstories #authenticitymatters #selfacceptance #personaltransformation #midlifewisdom #findingyourvoice #reinventyourlife #unfilteredconversation

Grief isn’t just an emotion, it’s energy that lives in the body until we face it.I sit down with Meghan Jarvis, a trauma therapist and grief mentor who’s helped countless people find their way through loss. Meghan shares her own story of heartbreak, how grief and trauma intertwine, and the six simple practices she teaches to move that heavy energy through the body and back toward healing. We also talk about midlife transitions, why so many of us feel stuck, and how community can bring us back to life.👉 Tune in for a real, hopeful conversation about what it truly means to grieve, heal, and grow. Timestamps:00:00 Childhood loss that led her to grief work02:13 Uncovering long-buried trauma06:02 What trauma teaches about safety and fear09:29 Grief as energy moving through the body11:07 How stored grief affects physical health13:02 Losing her parents and lessons learned17:29 Checking into treatment and finding purpose19:32 The vagus nerve and how the body heals22:19 Midlife transitions and hidden grief24:18 Helping clients rewrite their stories26:12 The six pillars of the Grief Mentor Method31:11 Mindfulness, nourishment, and rituals for healing39:13 Why midlife brings old losses back42:21 Signs of unresolved grief43:55 Finding meaning and joy after healing47:43 MEA as a space for renewal51:44 Meghan’s wisdom bumper sticker Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#MidlifeHealing #GriefJourney #EmotionalHealing #MeghanJarvis #LifeTransitions #MidlifeGrowth #HealingAfterLoss #MindBodyConnection #GriefSupport #TraumaRecovery #FindingPurpose #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeAwakening #MentalHealthAwareness #ChipConley

What if everything you’ve believed about aging and retirement is wrong?In this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Chip and Derek dive into the surprising truth about aging. Why retirement often makes us less healthy, how community and purpose keep us alive longer, and why our “crystallized intelligence” actually gets stronger well into our 60s and 70s. They explore the real ingredients of a meaningful midlife, the magic of third-vault conversations, and the stories of people who’ve traded old scripts for more inspired lives.If you’re ready to feel hopeful, energized, and a little more excited about the years ahead, watch the full episode. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:34 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays01:43 The origins of age 65 retirement02:59 How retirement affects lifespan04:08 Fluid intelligence vs crystallized intelligence06:01 What people need the most after 5008:27 Chip’s own “mini retirement”10:07 Rethinking the three-stage life11:58 The litigator who became a baker14:11 Keeping your options open16:15 Changing habits by changing habitat17:16 The concept of the third vault20:12 Deeper conversations with aging20:56 Episode wrap-up and closing remarks Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/#midlifechrysalis #agingwell #longevitymindset #midlifetransformation #purposeafter50 #crystallizedintelligence #rethinkingretirement #healthyaging #midlifewisdom #lifepurpose #aginggracefully #lifestages #livingto100 #midlifecommunity #wisdomwednesdays

Susan Cain, bestselling author of "Quiet" and "Bittersweet," dives into the hidden strengths of introverts and the beauty of melancholy. She shares insights on how people often become more introverted with age, embracing authenticity over ambition. Susan also discusses her journey from corporate law to a quieter creative life, emphasizing the power of solitude and deeper happiness through bittersweet experiences. Plus, she reveals daily practices for balancing beauty and melancholy, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Discover how two NYC professionals transformed their lives by turning a goat farm into a beloved skincare brand. They emphasize the power of kindness and community as key business strategies. Learn about their journey through midlife, including the importance of contentment over relentless achievement. Their partnership thrives on the 51% rule, fostering transparency and connection. With heartwarming anecdotes, they redefine aging as an opportunity for kindness, weaving in farm wisdom for life that inspires listeners.

Explore what true wisdom means in midlife as hosts unpack the transformation of painful life lessons into meaningful insights. Discover how to share wisdom mindfully and cultivate it intentionally through practices like journaling and team reviews. Delve into the contrast between knowledge and wisdom, especially in today's AI-driven world. Chip shares personal stories, including his experience with cancer and the importance of maintaining personal time for renewal. Get practical exercises to start your own wisdom journey.

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!