Late Boomers

Welcome to Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy and Merry, and this episode is one we’re especially excited to share with you. Today, we dive into the quiet yet powerful world of poetry, exploring how it can help us process life’s biggest challenges and find hope—even in the midst of chronic illness.Our conversation features Autumn Williams, poet and author of the deeply moving book Clouds on the Ground. Autumn’s journey with myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic illness) led her to poetry as an outlet, a form of escape, and a way to help others process their own struggles. Her perspective and her work remind us that beauty and resilience can flourish against the toughest odds.We start by reflecting on how poetry slows us down, encourages introspection, and gives voice to experiences that are hard to explain. Autumn shares how being bedbound sparked her love for free verse poetry, a style that felt liberating when her life was so restricted. She talks about writing poems that, while inspired by personal pain, are universal enough for anyone to find themselves in.Autumn reads several poems from Clouds on the Ground, and we discuss the remarkable imagery, the art on her book’s cover, and the role of nature in her healing. She describes her creative process, balancing writing with being a parent to six children, and how she reclaimed agency and meaning through writing. We also touch on the self-publishing process, building a creative team, and how responses from readers have truly touched her.Key Takeaways:Poetry can be a powerful tool to process emotions, loss, illness, and dreams.Free verse opened up creative freedom for Autumn, and helped her escape the confines of chronic illness.Her poems are intentionally written to be universal, allowing readers to insert their own stories and struggles, and find comfort and hope.The journey of self-publishing involves building the right team, taking your time, and honoring your voice and vision.Autumn’s experience reminds us to honor pain, sit with it, and recognize value in ourselves even when life doesn’t go as planned.The feedback Autumn received shows the transformative power of sharing our stories, and how art can truly move others.If you’re seeking inspiration or healing, we encourage you to explore Autumn’s poetry. You can sign up for her newsletter to receive her chapbook Waves for free, and check out Clouds on the Ground for her full collection of poems.Subscribe to Late Boomers wherever you listen to podcasts, share this episode with a friend who could use some encouragement, and visit our website at lateboomers.us for more episodes and updates. Until next time, keep learning, creating, and making bold moves at every age!— Cathy & MerryMentioned in this episode:Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy and Merry, and today we’re diving into topics that truly resonate with so many in our community: letting go of perfection, embracing life’s messy middle, and finding ongoing joy in reinvention. This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by Lorie Kleiner Eckert—author, fiber artist, motivational speaker, and author of High on Life—whose honest wisdom and humor shine a fresh light on what it means to age boldly and with intention.In this episode, we chat with Lorie about the meaning behind her book High on Life (and yes, we even unpack the meaning of "chai"), the powerful lessons drawn from her Jewish heritage, and the value of imperfection in our “third act.” We explore why so many of us are obsessed with perfection and get Lorie’s no-nonsense advice for those feeling stuck or hesitant about reinventing themselves—no matter their age.We also touch on essential topics like destigmatizing therapy, the healing power of journaling, honoring our ancestors authentically, and using humor to tackle life’s challenges, from body image to aging and self-doubt. And for all you creatives (and non-creatives!), Lorie shares how her passion for quilting has shaped her storytelling and connection with audiences everywhere.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Chai means “life” in Hebrew—a concept that inspires finding joy even when life gets tough.Perfection is overrated! Embracing “good enough” leads to more joy, resilience, and self-acceptance.Reinvention isn’t just possible at any age—it’s something we all have experience with, and a simple two-step approach makes each new chapter manageable.Mental health is for everyone—normalizing therapy and journaling can help us process, heal, and thrive in everyday life, not just in crisis.Honoring our roots is a lifelong journey; remember to credit past generations, but see their struggles with honesty, not just nostalgia.Humor truly is healing—being able to laugh at life’s curveballs helps us own our stories and reclaim our joy.Small victories matter! Keeping an “accountability log” or quick journal can help you celebrate daily steps forward and remind yourself how magnificent you are.If you take just one thing from today’s episode, we hope it’s the encouragement to write down your own stories, in whatever form works for you. Whether it’s a funny snippet from family life or a simple list of accomplishments—these moments are your legacy and your proof that you are always growing and reinventing. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.You can find High on Life wherever books are sold, plus Lori’s companion journal on Amazon. To connect with Lorie and explore more of her stories, visit loriekleinereckert.com.Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a little inspiration, and keep living boldly in your third act. We’ll be back with more conversations soon!With gratitude,Cathy & MerryP.S. – If not now, when?Mentioned in this episode:Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

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 EpisodeJoin us as we unpack decades of Beverly’s experience and uncover why the path to better health starts on your plate. Beverly shares her own story of overcoming chronic health challenges—from battling persistent viruses in college to becoming an influential advocate for the primal and paleo approaches to eating. If you’ve ever wondered about the power of real, hearty foods versus supplements, or felt overwhelmed by health fads, this episode is tailor-made for you.Key TakeawaysFood First Philosophy: Discover why focusing on proteins, good fats, and vegetables is foundational for optimal health—and why “eating like a human” works.Busting Nutrition Myths: Learn why grains and sugar are not suitable foods for humans and how the paleo diet is rooted in our biology—not just another fad.Herpes Viruses & Diet: Hear Beverly’s personal health journey with herpes viruses, Epstein-Barr, and more, and how dietary choices can directly impact viral management.Supplements: When & When Not: Beverly breaks down why she’s “not a pill pimp,” and how diet, lifestyle, and sleep are the real foundation—supplements come later.Sleep & Stress: Understand the importance of sleep and the incredible role of the neurotransmitter GABA in regulating anxiety, mood, and overall brain health.Vitamin K2 for Boomers: Most people haven’t heard of K2, but you’ll learn why it’s essential, how it works alongside vitamin D, and which foods and supplements provide it.Wellness Warrior Mindset: Get actionable tips for taking charge—even if you feel overwhelmed or intimidated by holistic health. Beverly gives practical, forgiving steps to reclaim a sense of control, starting with what you eat and how you sleep.Our Call to ActionReady to revamp your approach to health, one meal at a time? Start by evaluating what’s truly on your plate. Consider removing grains and processed sugars and focusing on nourishing, real foods—your body and mind will thank you. For those wanting extra guidance, check out Beverly’s powerful resources at ondietandhealth.com and her podcast “Primal Diet – Modern Health.” Curious about GABA, paleo recipes, or how to get more K2? Beverly is also active on Pinterest—dive in for actionable inspiration.Don’t forget: Subscribe to Late Boomers wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on YouTube. If you loved these practical strategies and want more wisdom for your own third act, explore other episodes at lateboomers.us.Take care of yourselves—remember, it’s never too late to make bold, healthy moves!With clarity and encouragement,Cathy & MerryMentioned in this episode:Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

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 ready for some surprising—and reassuring—news!We explore why keeping your brain active is a game-changer, how simple daily habits can help you maintain and even enhance your cognitive abilities, and why “use it or lose it” isn't just a saying—it’s science-backed truth. Dr. Linzey also shares research-backed tips, practical exercises, and fresh perspectives that will inspire you to make your brain’s health a top priority.Key TakeawaysCognitive Decline Is Not Inevitable: According to Dr. Linzey, it’s a lack of use—not age—that erodes our mental sharpness. Your brain thrives on challenge and engagement.Neuroplasticity Explained: The brain is always learning and adapting. What you practice becomes hardwired—so focus on habits that move you toward your goals.Why Adults Over 50 Have a Unique Advantage: Now is a powerful time to focus on your brain. Reinvention, learning new skills, and even changing careers can stimulate neuroplasticity.The Power of Physical and Mental Exercise: Activities like ping pong, pickleball, and Dr. Linzey’s “brain cards” combine movement with mental focus to boost cognitive fitness.Practical “Brain Optimization” Methods: From pen-and-paper planning to timed brain games, there are fun and accessible ways to stay sharp. Socialization, exercise, and novelty are top performers for brain health.Beware Over-Reliance on Technology: As much as digital tools are helpful, using them as a crutch can dull your critical thinking. Offset screen time with real-world activities.Maintenance is Key: Treat your brain like any other essential system in your life. Maintenance, variety, and challenge keep you vibrant—at any age.If you enjoyed today’s episode, please follow us on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a review, and share this conversation with someone who needs a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent, learn, and thrive.For show links, brain card resources, and more inspiration, visit lateboomers.us. Let’s keep this conversation going—send us your questions or stories of reinvention!Stay curious, keep growing, and remember: it’s never too late to boom.Mentioned in this episode:Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork

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 matter their starting point. Michael sheds light on why the habits we build post-50 make such an impact on our longevity, happiness, confidence, and daily independence. We also bust some damaging fitness myths, talk about the power of functional strength, and get actionable tips for building a routine that feels good—without intimidation.Key Takeaways:It’s Never Too Late: Michael’s story about Joan Campbell, who began exercising at 59 and was still swimming into her 90s, is proof that transformation is possible at any age.Ditch the Comparison Game: The most important shift is to listen to your own body, stop comparing yourself to others, and build your unique path to fitness.Functional Fitness Is the Goal: We discuss why being able to move well in daily life—not just in the gym—matters so much as we age.Strength Training Matters: Especially for women, building muscle is critical for balance, metabolism, and fall prevention, but getting started doesn't have to be overwhelming.Start Simple, Start Small: You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership—Michael gives great examples of calisthenics, resistance bands, and walking.Mindset Makes the Difference: Embracing aging, letting go of fear and negative self-talk, and celebrating small wins can transform how you approach fitness.Move More, Sit Less: Michael’s motto, “Movement is life,” underlines how important it is to simply keep moving, stretch, and keep blood flowing—even just a few times a week.Ready to Take the First Step?Michael’s advice is to pick one simple thing you can do today—whether it's a short walk, a few chair exercises, or writing down a small goal. Progress, not perfection, is what counts!If you found this episode motivating, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review. Share Late Boomers with a friend who's ready to feel stronger and more confident in their third act. For more insights and to connect with us or our guests, visit lateboomers.us. You can also find us on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Thank you for listening, for moving, and for living boldly with us!With love,Cathy & MerryMentioned in this episode:Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork. eWomenPodcastNetwork