Late Boomers

Welcome back to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy and Merry, and today’s episode is an eye-opening guide to “creating your third act with style, power, and impact.” In this conversation, we dive deep with Beverly Meyer, renowned natural health educator, speaker, and host of the “Primal Diet – Modern Health” podcast. Beverly is a true pioneer in the fields of holistic nutrition and functional health—and her motto of “food first” is more relevant than ever.

What’s Inside This Episode

Join us as we unpack decades of Beverly’s experience and uncover why the path to better h...

Welcome back to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and today’s episode dives into one of our most exciting and empowering topics yet—brain health, neuroplasticity, and the incredible power of reinvention at any age.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Tere Linzey, a licensed educational psychologist and founder of BrainMatterZ. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Linzey specializes in helping people of all ages strengthen critical brain functions like memory, attention, processing speed, and executive skills. If you’ve ever wondered whether cognitive decline is inevitable as you age, get read...

Welcome back to Late Boomers! We're your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and today we're diving into a topic that's close to our hearts—and so important to living our best third act: Fitness After 50. Whether you're just entering this milestone or already thriving in your 60s, 70s, or beyond, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and real stories to help you stay strong, independent, and energized at every age.

We sit down with Michael Guadagnino, author of Fitness Over 50, 60, 70, and Beyond, who shares his passion for helping boomers unlock their potential through movement—no m...

Welcome, Late Boomers! We're Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and this week, we set sail on a truly transformational journey with Alison Gieschen—author, former horse farm owner, educator, and intrepid world sailor.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave everything behind and follow a lifelong dream? In this inspiring episode, Alison shares how she dared to reinvent her life, selling her horse farm and embarking on an adventure with her husband to sail around the world. From the lush hills of upstate New York to the remote islands of French Polynesia, Alison op...

Welcome back, Late Boomers! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and in this episode, we open the door to a topic that quietly but profoundly shapes every part of our lives: mindset. If you’ve ever wondered how your habits of thought can influence your success, resilience, happiness, and even how you approach aging and reinvention, you’re in the right place.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Michael Graham, founder of Mindset Matters Consulting. Michael’s background is as unconventional as it is inspiring: from high-stakes presidential protection details and endurance triathlons, to law enforcemen...

Welcome back to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and this week we are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary guest who truly embodies the power of reinvention—Michelle Danner. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start something new, get ready to challenge that belief.

In this uplifting conversation, we sit down with acclaimed acting teacher, director, and creative powerhouse Michelle Danner. Michelle has coached Hollywood stars, founded Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, and seamlessly transitioned from performer and teacher to entrepreneur and filmmaker—with films like Miranda’s Victim, The...

Welcome to the premier episode of the new season of the Late Boomers podcast! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, your guides to creating your third act with style, power, and impact.

In this fresh season kickoff, we’re sharing our excitement about all the big changes underway—including a brand new producer and a renewed commitment to exploring reinvention, resilience, and the art of aging boldly. We dive into the power of self-talk, manifestation, and how the stories we tell ourselves truly shape our lives and futures.

Our mission is to inspire you with c...

Ever wondered if it's too late to chase a new dream? Tune into this question with the legendary Fritz Coleman, former Los Angeles weatherman turned stand-up comedian and podcaster. How did a chance opportunity lead Fritz from forecasting weather to cracking jokes on stage? Join hosts Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington as they explore Fritz's inspiring journey of reinvention.

Fritz shares his serendipitous leap into broadcasting, the joy of stand-up comedy, and his latest show, Unassisted Living. He reveals how comedy unites us, especially in a divided world, and why staying active and optimistic is key to...

What does it take to build trust in a warzone? How do you keep a podcast fresh after 2,000 episodes? Merry and Cathy dive deep with the fascinating Pete A. Turner, a former army counterintelligence agent and host of the Break It Down Show. Pete takes us on a journey through his gripping career as a spy, sharing stories from the frontlines that reveal the art of navigating complex cultural landscapes.

Discover Pete's insights on leadership and communication, shaped by his experiences in high-stakes environments. We also explore his thriving podcasting career, where he shares the secrets to...

Ever wondered how a former CFO ends up writing paranormal novels? Join Cathy and Merry as they chat with Kirsten Marion, who took a daring leap from finance to fiction. What sparked this transformation? A move to Moscow, a reassessment of life, and a childhood passion rekindled! Kirsten dives into the world of paranormal fiction, explaining how she brings magic into the mundane and champions older female protagonists. She also shares the nitty-gritty of self-publishing, from marketing strategies to tackling self-doubt. Feeling stuck? Kirsten’s advice on revisiting childhood dreams might just be your key to unlocking new paths. Tu...

Are you ready to unlock the power within you? Merry and Cathy dive deep with Hilda Fainsod, a transformational leadership coach and author of Power Up, the Power is Within You. Hilda shares her wisdom on rewriting personal narratives and the neuroscience behind empowering thoughts. Discover how to tune into your emotional and mental energy each morning to set a powerful tone for your day. Hilda’s personal anecdotes on overcoming fear and the importance of a support system will inspire you to embrace self-leadership and express your ideas fearlessly. Tune in for practical tools to shift your internal di...

What does it take to transition from a high-pressure newsroom to the world of mystery novels? And how can personal tragedy shape a writer's voice? Join us as Merry and Cathy dive into these questions with the remarkable John DeDakis, a former CNN senior copy editor turned novelist and writing coach. 🎧

John shares his journey of reinvention, shedding light on how his journalism background influences his gripping Lark Chadwick series. We explore the power of writing from a different gender perspective and the therapeutic magic of turning personal pain into creative fuel. John offers invaluable advice for asp...

🎙️ Curious about the secret to maintaining health and vitality as you age? Join Merry and Cathy as they chat with Chelsea McLeod, a health coach transforming the lives of high-performing women through hormonal balance. Could traditional weight loss methods be failing you due to hormonal changes rather than age? Chelsea shares her journey from the corporate world to health coaching, revealing how understanding hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol can revolutionize your health.

Discover why coffee on an empty stomach might be sabotaging your day and how meal timing could be the key to better sleep and metab...

Can childhood trauma become a catalyst for transformation? In this deeply moving episode, Merry and Cathy sit down with Wendy B. Correa, author of My Pretty Baby, to explore the powerful connection between adversity and awakening. Wendy opens up about her journey through the stormy seas of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — revealing an ACE score of seven out of ten — and how she turned her pain into purpose.

Through honest reflection and hard-won wisdom, Wendy shares how meditation, sobriety, and spirituality became her anchors, helping her reclaim a life of peace and meaning. She also reflects on the...

What makes relationships so vital as we age? Join Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington for an intimate chat about the evolving dynamics of relationships in later years. We dive into why these connections are more than just social—they're lifelines that boost health, resilience, and life satisfaction. Drawing insights from the Harvard study of adult development, we uncover how nurturing warm relationships can stave off cognitive decline and combat loneliness.

We share personal stories—like Cathy's walking group and Merry's writing circle—that illustrate the power of community. Together, we explore practical ways to foster connections, from rekind...

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a successful business? How do you navigate the twists and turns of reinvention? Join Merry Elkins, alongside Cathy Worthington, as we dive into the inspiring journey of Suzy Prudden, the powerhouse behind Itty Bitty Publishing Company. From her early days as a fitness pioneer in NYC to becoming a publishing mogul, Suzy shares her fearless approach to entrepreneurship. Discover how she collaborated with self-help icon Louise Hay and made a splash on Oprah's stage. Learn the secrets behind Itty Bitty's success and the art of turning big ideas into...

Have you ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes of Broadway and the opera? Join us as we dive into the mesmerizing world of performers with the insightful Susan Dormady Eisenberg!
 
 Susan, an acclaimed author, takes us on a journey through her novels, The Voice I Just Heard and One More Seat at the Roundtable, which vividly depict the backstage life of performers. Discover how her childhood love for Broadway and rock music fueled her storytelling passion.
 
We explore the evolution of the performing arts, the rise of jukebox musicals, and the gritty yet...

Ever wonder how a conference can ignite a spark of transformation? In Episode 258 of Late Boomers, Cathy and Merry dive into our exhilarating experience at the eWomen Network ICON Conference in Dallas, Texas. This wasn't just any event—it was a powerhouse of inspiration and innovation, thanks to the visionary efforts of Sandra and Kim Yancey, and a jaw-dropping AI presentation by Brianna Day.

Join us as we unpack the game-changing strategies we discovered, including the importance of visibility, connection, and content pillars. Discover how AI can be your best ally in streamlining tasks and boosting your bu...

How can self-doubt become a catalyst for growth instead of a roadblock? On this episode of Late Boomers, Merry and Cathy sit down with Amy L. Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster. Amy opens up about her shift from a high-pressure career to the joy of writing, sharing practical wisdom on managing doubt, facing rejection, and navigating the publishing world. She reveals how small, intentional changes can unlock new possibilities and why embracing vulnerability is essential for personal growth. Tune in to discover how to “change the channel” on self-criticism and lean into your creative passions with courage

Discover the powerful connection between the health of our soil and our own well-being as Merry and Cathy sit down with Louis De Jaeger, a visionary soil preservationist and environmental designer. Inspired by his grandmothers, Louis has dedicated his life to regenerative agriculture and designing systems that heal the planet. From how our food choices impact our health to the critical role trees play in fighting climate change, this conversation will inspire you to see the ground beneath your feet in a whole new way. Thank you and have a terrific holiday!

Louis De Jaeger's Bio:
...

What happens when a professional dog trainer becomes a beloved children's book author? Join Merry and Cathy as they chat with Maryanne Wood, who made the leap from training basset hounds to penning tales inspired by them. Discover how Maryanne's journey with Randall and Hunter, her sister's dogs, led to heartwarming stories about resilience and adaptability. We dive into themes of change, overcoming challenges, and the power of creativity, no matter your age. Tune in to be inspired to follow your passions and embrace new adventures!

Maryanne Wood's Bio:
Former professional dog trainer...

Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind a mystery novel inspired by real military experiences? Join us for episode 254 of Late Boomers as Merry and Cathy sit down with Darrell Berry, a retired Army officer and author of "Early This Morning." We dive into Darrell's fascinating journey from Vietnam draftee to military intelligence officer during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era. Discover how his experiences as a gay man in the military shaped his writing and explore the themes of his novel. Plus, get a sneak peek into his future projects! Tune in for an episode filled with...

What happens when glamour meets scandal, and resilience triumphs over adversity? Join us as we sit down with Countess Ilene Medecin, the former First Lady of Nice, France, in Episode 253 of Late Boomers. Discover her electrifying journey from a family in Beverly Hills with roots stemming from legends in organized crime and the Hollywood makeup industry to the aristocratic circles of the French Riviera. Uncover the dramatic tales from her memoir, "Arrested," featuring political controversies, jail time, and high-society scandals. Tune in for a tale of strength, survival, and hope that will leave you inspired. Don't miss this captivating...

What does it take to release a new album at 69? How can passion and perseverance redefine aging? In Episode 252 of Late Boomers, we chat with Dennis Welch, an inspiring author, songwriter, and recording artist. Dennis shares his musical journey, from his family’s country music roots to his latest album, Strong. Discover how encouragement, collaboration with legends like Allen Shamblin, and a focus on storytelling have shaped his vibrant career. Tune in to hear Dennis's insights on creativity, aging, and why it's never too late to chase your dreams

Dennis Welch's Bio:
If songwriter/recording artist/au...

What sparked the creation of the iconic musical Rent? How does one navigate the ups and downs of a creative career? Join us in episode 251 of Late Boomers, as we chat with the brilliant Billy Aronson! Known for his work on Rent, Billy shares his journey from college heartbreak to collaborating on Broadway. We dive into his ventures beyond theater, like his Emmy-winning children's TV show Peg and Cat, and his latest musical project, Love War. Tune in for a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the art of reinvention. Don't miss it!

Billy Aronson's Bio:
Billy...

What does it mean to age with style and impact? Episode 250 of Late Boomers is here to enlighten you! Join us as We chat with Joe Owens, the dynamic author of "Feeling Groovy: A Boomer's Guide to Ageless Aging." From a health scare in his fifties to working with music legends like the Rolling Stones, Joe's journey is a testament to living life fully. Discover his secrets to staying youthful, from mingling with younger generations to embracing natural wellness. Tune in for Joe's insights on maintaining mental and physical vitality and redefining aging with zest! Don't miss this inspiring...

Are you ready to be inspired by a journey of perseverance and reinvention? In our new episode of Late Boomers, Cathy and Merry dive into the remarkable life of Grammy and Academy Award-nominated Jan Daley. Join us as we explore Jan's early days in music, her rise to fame, and her courageous battle with stage four cervical cancer. Discover how a chance encounter with a Motown producer reignited her passion for music, leading to new albums that resonate with women everywhere. Jan's story is a testament to pursuing dreams at any age. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation!

Ever wondered how psychology and showbiz intersect? In Episode 248 of the Late Boomers podcast, we dive deep into this fascinating world with Albert Bramante, a New York talent agent, casting director, and psychologist. How did an internship at the Sally Jesse Raphael show steer him from clinical psychology to the entertainment industry? And what role does psychology play in overcoming the mental hurdles faced by performers?

Join us as Albert shares his journey from crisis counseling post-9/11 to founding his talent agency. Discover the secrets behind managing self-sabotage, the power of a "happy file," and why reframing...

Ever wonder how a love for spy novels can lead to a thrilling career chasing spies across Europe and the US? Or how bold, maverick moves can transform your personal and professional life? Join us in this captivating episode of Late Boomers as Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington sit down with the remarkable Gina L. Osborn. From her beginnings in the army's counterintelligence program to her impactful 22 years with the FBI, Gina shares her incredible journey through cybercrime and counterterrorism in Los Angeles.

 Discover how Gina's experiences inspired her podcast, Making Maverick Moves, and learn why a...

Ever wondered how a country girl from Wisconsin becomes a powerhouse in Hollywood? In this episode of Late Boomers, we dive into the inspiring journey of Ryann Liebl, an award-winning filmmaker and deputy CEO of Light Touch Media Group.
 
 Join Merry and Cathy as they chat with Ryann about her transition from acting to filmmaking, her passion for clean comedy reminiscent of "I Love Lucy," and the founding of her production company, REL Films. Ryann shares her insights on navigating the male-dominated film industry, the importance of creating your own opportunities, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking in...

Are you ready to redefine success and wealth?  Merry and Cathy sit down with real estate entrepreneur Jeff Peterson. From running a small upholstery business to navigating high-octane real estate deals, Jeff's journey is anything but linear. Curious about how to leap from a W-2 job to entrepreneurship? Or how marathon running parallels business discipline? Jeff spills the secrets behind his memoir, "Are We There Yet?" and shares invaluable insights on financial literacy, networking, and long-term investment strategies. Tune in for wisdom that could transform your financial future!

Jeffrey M Peterson's Bio:
Jeff Peterson is a...

This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of choice.  Merry and Cathy dive deep into this with reinvention strategist Patti Smith. What drove Patti from the glitz of fashion to the heartfelt world of life coaching? How did her sister's battle with cancer reshape her journey? Patti shares insights from her book, "What Am I to Do Now?" and introduces her transformative "Ignite You" system. From embracing fear to fostering gratitude, Patti's wisdom is a beacon for navigating life's second act. Tune in.

Patti Smith's Bio:
Patti Smith is a seasoned professional who h...

How did a famine in the 1980s spark a global movement, and what role did music and media play in this humanitarian effort? Join us as Merry and Cathy dive deep with filmmakers Chip Duncan and Salim Amin into their documentary, Stand Together as One: The Famine, The Music, The Impact.
 
 Discover the untold stories behind iconic initiatives like the song "We Are the World", Band Aid and Live Aid, and explore the powerful legacy of Mohammed Amin, whose groundbreaking photojournalism changed the world. Chip and Salim reveal the behind-the-scenes challenges of their film, the ethical nuances of...

How did a famine in the 1980s spark a global movement, and what role did music and media play in this humanitarian effort? Join us as Merry and Cathy dive deep with filmmakers Chip Duncan and Salim Amin into their documentary, Stand Together as One: The Famine, The Music, The Impact.
 
 Discover the untold stories behind iconic initiatives like the song "We Are the World", Band Aid and Live Aid, and explore the powerful legacy of Mohammed Amin, whose groundbreaking photojournalism changed the world. Chip and Salim reveal the behind-the-scenes challenges of their film, the ethical nuances of...

Ever wondered if you could turn your suburban backyard—or even your apartment windowsill—into a mini homestead? In Episode 241 of Late Boomers, Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington sit down with Elizabeth Bruckner, author of The Homesteader Mindset, to explore the transformative journey from city dweller to self-sufficient homesteader. Elizabeth shares her inspiring story of embracing homesteading during the pandemic, highlighting how she overcame her initial lack of gardening skills to cultivate resilience and resourcefulness. Discover how intentional living can reduce toxic loads, boost mental health, and lead to a more fulfilling life. Elizabeth's insights reveal that anyone can star...

What if your mouthwash were as harmful as a floor cleaner? Join Late Boomers Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington as they dive into the surprising world of oral health with Heather Paul, a certified biological dental hygienist and founder of Simply Silver Mouthwash. Heather's eye-opening journey began with her daughter's health issues, leading her to question traditional dentistry's hidden dangers. She believes that root canals, and mercury fillings disrupt your body's balance and that commercial oral care products undermine your immune system. Heather shares natural alternatives like colloidal silver and coconut oil, and introduces myofunctional therapy to improve mouth...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your book idea into a published masterpiece? Or how to choose between traditional, self, or hybrid publishing? In this episode of Late Boomers, we chat with the incredible John Bond, a seasoned editor, publisher, and author. With over 500 books published and as the mastermind behind the Little Guides series, John shares his journey from a book-loving child to a publishing consultant helping authors shine.

We dive into the nuts and bolts of getting published, from finding your motivation to understanding the market and choosing the right agent. John’s...

Are you ready to unlock your intuitive potential and redefine how you navigate your world? We're joined by the insightful Mariana Cooper, a third-generation intuitive and life strategist. Have you ever wondered how to balance the tangible 3D world with the energetic 5D realm? Mariana shares her transformative journey from corporate life to becoming a certified medium, emphasizing the power of energetic communication over mere intellect.

Discover the "Four Clairs" and learn how to cultivate these often-overlooked senses. Mariana introduces a four-part framework—Clear, Connect, Communicate, and Create—designed to help you tap into your energetic potential. We'l...

Ever wondered how a childhood pie-selling gig could spark a lifelong entrepreneurial journey? Or how a near-death experience might redefine your perspective on life? Join as we dive into the riveting life of Michael B. Harris. From selling blackberry pies to surviving a life-threatening water skiing accident, Michael's story is one of resilience and transformation.

Michael, a best-selling author and seasoned entrepreneur, chats with us about his book "Falling Down, Getting Up," the art of storytelling, and the "law of Goya"—a humorous take on manifesting dreams. We explore the calming power of breath, the karma of mo...

Ever wondered how a Navy SEAL's mindset can transform business leadership? Join us as we take a dive deep with Marty Strong, a retired Navy SEAL officer turned business leader, author, and motivational speaker.

Discover how Marty's upbringing in a military family shaped his emotional maturity and resilience, key traits that fueled his success both on the battlefield and in the boardroom. Marty shares riveting insights into the SEAL training process, emphasizing mental toughness over physical endurance, and how this mindset is crucial for navigating both military operations and business challenges.
Marty's journey from SEAL to...