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Meaning and Moxie After 50Capturing Wisdom: How Sky Bergman Uses Film to Honor Older VoicesIn this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney sits down with acclaimed filmmaker and photographer Sky Bergman, whose award-winning documentary Lives Well Lived celebrates the voices and life lessons of older adults. Inspired by her own grandmother’s wisdom and vitality, Sky set out to capture the stories of people aged 75 and older who continue to live with purpose, joy, and resilience. Through her lens, she invites us to rethink aging—not as a decline, but as a time rich with meaning, connection, and legacy.Sky shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating Live...2025-05-0532 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Small Steps, Big Changes: How Robin Jonas Transformed Her Life and WellnessIn this inspiring conversation, Robin Jonas shares her personal journey of transformation after 50, focusing on how she reclaimed her health, energy, and sense of purpose. After years of working in a high-stress environment, Robin experienced a health scare that became a major turning point. She opens up about the changes she made to her lifestyle — from incorporating daily walks and meditation to improving her nutrition and prioritizing quality sleep. Robin emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, managing stress proactively, and approaching health as a holistic, ongoing practice rather than a quick fix.Beyond the physical, Ro...2025-04-2847 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Embracing the Unexpected: Susan Rizzo’s Guide to Life After 50 and BeyondIn this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney sits down with friend and creative powerhouse Susan Rizzo for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation. The two reflect on their evolving friendship and dig into Susan’s inspiring journey through various stages of life—from her work in the arts to her role in building meaningful community projects. Susan shares stories about staying curious, being open to reinvention, and how embracing uncertainty can lead to some of life’s most fulfilling surprises.Throughout the interview, Susan brings warmth, humor, and insight as she talks about navigating transitions with g...2025-04-2154 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Old Lady on the Trail: Meet 83-Year-Old Triple Crowner Mary E. DavisonIn this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney chats with the remarkable Mary Davison, an avid long-distance hiker and author who began taking on ambitious trails in her sixties and into her eighties. Mary shares her journey from casual walker to intrepid adventurer, reflecting on the physical and emotional challenges she faced while hiking iconic routes like the Camino de Santiago, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. She discusses how these experiences have not only kept her physically active but also deeply enriched her sense of purpose and connection to the...2025-04-141h 02Meaning and Moxie After 50Music as Medicine: Bob Sima’s Mission to Heal Through SongIn this soul-stirring episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with Bob Sima, a musician, mindfulness guide, and lyrical storyteller who transforms everyday experiences into sacred, musical reflections. Bob shares his fascinating journey from performing in rock bands to becoming a creator of conscious music that heals, inspires, and awakens. With humility, humor, and heart, Bob explores the power of language, the importance of silence, and how music can be a bridge to deeper awareness and purpose.Together, Leslie and Bob dive into themes like the energy of intention, the practice of listening deeply — not ju...2025-04-0556 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Ageism, Schmageism: How to Live Loudly After 50In this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney dives headfirst into the thorny issue of ageism—both the kind society throws at us and the sneaky, internalized beliefs we carry ourselves. Building on the buzz from a previous episode, Leslie takes a no-nonsense approach to unpack how ageist attitudes show up in everyday life, from subtle comments to deeply ingrained biases. With her signature blend of humor and insight, she explores how these beliefs hold us back and offers practical ways to challenge the stereotypes that say life after 50 is all about slowing down. Spoiler alert: It’s no...2025-03-3117 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Life After Being A Principal: Wanita Fleury on Listening Inward and Stepping ForwardIn this episode, Leslie speaks with Wanita Fleury, a former high school principal who made a bold midlife transition into the world of energy healing. Wanita shares her personal journey of burnout and awakening, describing how the pressures of leadership in education led her to reevaluate her life’s path. Through a series of spiritual nudges, she discovered the power of energy work, which eventually became her new calling. Wanita explains how modalities like Reiki, chakra balancing, and intuitive healing not only helped her shift but also allowed her to help others find alignment and peace.Throughout th...2025-03-2456 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Charting New Waters: One Man’s Quest to Sail Around the WorldIn this inspiring episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, host Leslie Maloney sits down with global sailor Fabian Fernandez, who is in the midst of an extraordinary journey to sail around the world. Speaking from Panama, Fabian shares that he is preparing for the final and most challenging leg of his voyage—a solo crossing of the vast Pacific Ocean back to his home in Malaysia. As he approaches the final 15,500 nautical miles of his trip, Fabian reflects on the incredible scope of his adventure, which has already spanned the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.Throughout the conversation, Fa...2025-03-1749 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Tips and Insights on Tackling Ageism with Humor and AttitudeIn this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, host Leslie Maloney takes on the topic of ageism—with wit, warmth, and a mission to challenge the outdated narratives around getting older. She explores the two faces of ageism: the societal messages that diminish aging and the internalized beliefs we often carry without even realizing it. Through personal anecdotes, relatable examples, and a sprinkle of humor, Leslie reveals how even well-meaning comments like “You don’t look your age” can reinforce negative stereotypes. She encourages listeners to see these biases for what they are—limiting and inaccurate...2025-03-1012 minMeaning and Moxie After 50From Scrappy Beginnings to a Rescue Revolution: Cyrus Mejia’s JourneyEver dreamed of leaving a lasting impact on the world? Cyrus Mejia did just that when he helped found Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill rescue in the country. What started as a scrappy group with a big idea in 1984 has blossomed into a nationwide movement, saving countless animals and changing the way we think about rescue. In this episode, Cyrus takes us behind the scenes of this incredible journey—sharing the passion, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped Best Friends into the powerhouse it is today.But this isn’t just a story about saving anim...2025-03-0357 minMeaning and Moxie After 50From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Margie Ruzzo on Embracing ChangeIn this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie sits down with her friend Margie Ruzzo, a woman who knows a thing or two about reinvention. From their first meeting at a women’s retreat in North Carolina over a decade ago to the powerful life shifts Margie has embraced since, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and real talk about what it means to evolve at any stage of life.Margie opens up about the pivotal moments that pushed her toward growth, the challenges she faced along the way, and the mindset shifts that helped he...2025-02-2451 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Learning Differences After 50: Unlocking Your Potential with Jess ArceIn this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, I sit down with Jess Arce, the dynamic founder of 3D Learning Experts, who’s passionate about helping individuals with learning differences unlock their potential. While these challenges are often linked to childhood, Jess sheds light on how learning differences impact adults too—including those of us over 50. Forgetfulness, difficulty adapting to new technology, or lifelong struggles with reading and writing may be signs of undiagnosed learning differences—and it’s never too late to learn differently.Jess shares her personal journey, including how parenting kids with strong opinions about th...2025-02-1746 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Listen to Your Inner Voice: Practical Tips for Intuitive LivingIn this insightful episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50, Leslie Maloney delves into the fascinating world of intuition, offering practical advice and relatable anecdotes on tuning in to that inner wisdom we often overlook. From the classic “gut feeling” to subtle emotional pings, Leslie breaks down ten key reminders for recognizing, trusting, and acting on intuition in everyday life. She highlights how intuitive messages can manifest physically, such as the “gut whisper,” and encourages listeners to pay attention to both moments of discomfort and excitement.Leslie emphasizes that intuition isn’t just about fear—it can guide us toward jo...2025-02-1010 minMeaning and Moxie After 50DC Frost: Writing Her Bestseller After 60 (And Crushing It)We kick off this episode of Meaning and Moxie After 50 with a bang, introducing guest, DC Frost—a name practically made for the bestseller list. DC didn’t just dip her toes into the world of writing; she dove in headfirst, publishing her first novel after turning 60 and never looking back.DC shares how her storytelling spark ignited as a kid watching The Munsters. That quirky TV show fueled a lifelong imagination, though it took decades before she finally put pen to paper and hit publish. Now, she’s cranking out novels like a seasoned pro.Lesli...2025-02-0345 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Bridging America: Insights from Braver Angels on Dialogue and UnderstandingWitness the power of dialogue as I sit down with Gabby Timmis from Braver Angels, an organization transforming America's political landscape. Born from the aftermath of the 2016 election, Braver Angels began as two friends and a renowned therapist came together to mend the nation's divides. Through innovative Red Blue Workshops, they foster understanding between Trump and Biden supporters, growing into a significant movement with over 100 alliances and 14,000 members nationwide. Discover how their approach, likened to couples therapy for the nation, is reshaping perceptions and uniting communities through empathy and shared goals.Curious about how seemingly irreconcilable beliefs...2025-01-2739 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Wisdom on and off the Field with Janet MitchellJanet Mitchell, a notable figure in the senior sports community, shares her journey from a sports-oriented family to becoming a key player on the famed Maryland Roadrunners. This episode dives into her early inspirations, including her pioneering mother, and highlights how her passion for softball ignited a lifelong love affair with the game. We explore the spirit of the Roadrunners, emphasizing how teamwork, strategy, and a shared love for competition have fueled their success in the National Senior Games since 2001.Travel with us into the heart of senior softball, where the bonds between teammates are as important...2025-01-2041 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Comedian Life After 50: Embrace Fun and Let Go of PerfectionJoin us as we sit down with the hilariously insightful Rita Desnoyers-Garcia, who discovered that humor was her secret weapon to stand out as the youngest of six siblings. Rita's comedic journey from childhood plays to a fifth-grade musical, culminating in a stand-up comedy course, reveals how creativity and laughter can be powerful tools for navigating life's transitions. Ever wonder how self-compassion could transform your life? We share an empowering narrative of a once-shy individual who blossomed into a confident performer, illustrating the profound impact of self-kindness and courage. Through insightful coaching stories, especially with professional moms...2025-01-1347 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Writing New Chapters in Later Life with Honey GoodAfter feeling stuck in life's routine, Susan "Honey" Good took a friend's advice and began journaling, which sparked a creative journey that would transform her life. Join us as we discover Honey's inspiring story of reinvention that led her to become a successful lifestyle blogger and author after the age of 60. Her fearless embrace of vulnerability and authenticity serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others to approach life's second act with excitement and purpose.Honey talks about the power of curiosity and passion, especially for women navigating life post-50. As we reflect on personal stories and...2025-01-0651 minMeaning and Moxie After 50#1 of the Top Ten from 2024/Miss Janet's Appalachian Adventure: Tales of Trail Magic and CommunityJoin us for an exploration of the Appalachian Trail with a very special guest, Janet Hensley, known throughout the hiking world as Miss Janet. Her two-decade-long role as a trail angel has made her a cherished figure among hikers, and her story brings to life the vibrant community and tales from this iconic path. Growing up near a trailhead in East Tennessee, Miss Janet shares how the diverse stories of hikers first captured her imagination and how the trail community became an integral part of her life, even when she tried to step away. From Georgia to Maine, the...2024-12-301h 22Meaning and Moxie After 50#2 Of Top Ten from 2024/ From Land to Sea: A Life of Sailing After 50Ever dreamed of setting sail into the unknown after 50? Sherry McCampbell's story might just inspire your next adventure. Growing up a Navy brat, Sherry's early love affair with the sea eventually led her to a life of sailing around the world with her husband, Dave. Their shared passion for the open ocean has transformed into 17 years of global exploration, and Sherry shares her fascinating journey from landlocked life to living out her dreams aboard their vessel.For those itching to know what it takes to navigate life on the high seas, Sherry and Dave reveal the resourcefulness...2024-12-2351 min
A Step Forward181. Innovating Orientation and Mobility for the Visually ImpairedIn the evolving field of orientation and mobility (O&M), the need to bridge the gap between residential programs and real-world application is critical.
Join us in the newest episode with Kassy, alongside Leslie Hoskins and Erica Ihrke from the Leader Dogs for the Blind as they dive into the evolution of Orientation and Mobility and what's in store for the upcoming years as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist!
💡 In This Episode:
Changes in O&M Over the Years: Discover how the field of Orientation and Mobility has evolved to meet the lifelong needs of clients, adapting to new cha...2024-12-1747 minMeaning and Moxie After 50#3 of Top Ten from 2024/Ocean Rescue Chief to Survivor Contestant at 59Join us as Janet shares her inspiring journey of resilience and leadership, from overcoming doubts to leading a team of 160 lifeguards. Her candid reflections on embracing failure as a stepping stone and the significance of women supporting each other in leadership roles are sure to resonate with anyone striving to step outside their comfort zone.Janet's experiences extend beyond the beach. She takes us through her unexpected adventure on the reality TV show Survivor, a testament to her spirit and ability to face challenges head-on. Learn from her unique insights about breaking stereotypes, fostering alliances, and surviving...2024-12-1649 minMeaning and Moxie After 50#4 of Top Ten from 2024/Sunken Dreams and Golden Discoveries: The Treasure Hunter’s TaleWhat if the thrill of the treasure hunt wasn't just about finding gold and silver, but about the life stories and adventures that shape us along the way? I sit down with Captain Bill Black, a true pioneer in the world of treasure salvaging. From humble beginnings on a Kansas farm to the sun-soaked beaches of Florida's Treasure Coast, Captain Bill shares his journey of chasing dreams and uncovering hidden fortunes. His tales of camaraderie, resilience, and the powerful spirit of adventure reveal the true treasures beneath the waves and within the heart of the treasure-hunting community....2024-12-091h 07Meaning and Moxie After 50#5 of Top Ten from 2024 /Exploring the Path Less Traveled: Adventures Beyond 50 with Julie Brucher Join us as we lace up our boots with Julie Brucher, whose journey from Northern Wisconsin to the legendary Camino de Santiago and the challenging Appalachian Trail offers inspiration and grit. Julie, a spirited adventurer, shares her stories of resilience and the universal camaraderie found in communal meals and shared trails. Her narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of unexpected friendships that transcend language and cultural barriers.Julie also invites us into her world of wildlife encounters and solo hikes through the Appalachian wilderness. The quiet rustle of nature, from curious b...2024-12-021h 01
The Grounded Mama I Nervous System, Present Mom, Overstimulated, Wellbeing, Work-Life Balance43 I Finding Courage through Caregiving- with Leslie MaloneyIn this heartfelt conversation, Leslie shares her experiences and struggles as a caregiver for her aging mother who developed dementia. Leslie discusses the challenges of balancing her mother's independence with her increasing needs, the emotional toll of making tough decisions, and the importance of community and self-care during this process. The discussion highlights the sacredness of caregiving, the parallels between parenting and caring for aging parents, and the need to follow one's intuition. Leslie also touches on her dynamic career, including her roles as an educator, yoga instructor, author, and newly minted podcaster with 'Meaning in Moxie After 50.’
...2024-11-2859 minMeaning and Moxie After 50#6 of Top Ten from 2024/ From Corporate Success to Peace Corps: Bill Bridgeford's Journey of Service After 50What if, at the peak of your career, you decided to step into an entirely new world of service and adventure? In this episode, we welcome Bill Bridgeford, who did just that by leaving his 35-year private sector career to join the Peace Corps. Bill's story is one of transformation and courage, as he recounts his journey from dreaming of service as a child to finally making it a reality. Bill opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a Peace Corps volunteer, painting a vivid picture of what it takes to thrive in a new c...2024-11-251h 03Meaning and Moxie After 50#7 of Top Ten from 2024/Discovering Connections and Courage in TravelWhat happens when a lifetime of routine gives way to spontaneous adventures on the open road? Join me, Leslie Maloney, as we uncover the exhilarating tales of Jude Liddle, a newly retired wanderer from the UK. Travel isn't just about the places you visit but the connections you forge along the way. We chat about heartwarming encounters with fellow travelers and locals, shining a light on the joy of shared stories and spontaneous bonds. This episode is a celebration of courage, the thrill of risk-taking, and the quest for a meaningful life over 50 and beyond. You will b...2024-11-1844 minMeaning and Moxie After 50#8 of Top Ten from 2024/ Lisa's Guide to Navigating the Path to WellnessImagine facing severe health challenges without clear answers from the medical system. That's the reality Lisa Roers confronted, sparking a journey that transformed her life. In our conversation, she shares the profound impact of self-advocacy and alternative healing practices she discovered after experiencing unexplained health issues beginning in 2017. Lisa's story is a testament to perseverance, as she navigated debilitating symptoms, consulted numerous specialists, including at the Mayo Clinic, and ultimately turned to her own research and intuition to find answers. Her experiences underscore the importance of being proactive in health matters and the incredible potential of natural healing methods.2024-11-111h 06Meaning and Moxie After 50#9 of Top Ten from 2024/Echoes of Greater Yellowstone: Exploring the Legacy of Grizzly 399 and Wildlife ConservationExperience the awe of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem through the eyes of Jack Bayles, co-owner of Team 399, as we pay homage to the legendary Grizzly 399. This area's rugged terrain presents a daily test against weather and environmental concerns, yet offers a haven for extraordinary wildlife encounters, from awe-inspiring wolf packs to the wildlife enthusiasts who track them. Through Jack's anecdotes, we touch upon the importance of coexistence and understanding between humans and the wild, even amid threats and misunderstandings.Peel back the layers of wildlife conservation, where the story of Grizzly 399 becomes a lens to b...2024-11-041h 08Meaning and Moxie After 50#10 of Top Ten from 2024/ Breaking Barriers: Deb Carson's Trailblazing Journey in Sports MediaImagine breaking barriers in a world where the odds are stacked against you. Award-winning multimedia personality Deb Carson shares her incredible journey in sports media, a field where women have historically been underrepresented. From her formative days at Baylor University to her successful 15-year tenure with Fox Sports Radio, Deb's passion for sports ignited amidst childhood memories of Baltimore Orioles games and Dallas Cowboys Sundays with her father. Gain an insider's perspective as Deb and I explore the unique challenges women face in the world of sports media. Discover the relentless demands of the 24/7 news cycle and t...2024-10-2854 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Never Too Late: Vickie Liddell's Inspiring Journey into Senior AthleticsEver wondered if it's too late to start something new? Meet Vickie Liddell, who proves that there's no expiration date on passion. Discover how, at the age of 63, Vickie transitioned from a busy life as a band director and mom of ten to an inspiring track and field athlete. In an episode filled with laughter and determination, Vickie recounts her journey from convincing her children's former AAU track coach to train her, to running alongside athletes young enough to be her grandchildren. Driven by her grandmother's timeless wisdom, "can't died before you were born," Vickie's story is a beacon...2024-10-2135 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Unleashing the Power of Senior Athletics: Inspiring Stories from the National Senior GamesUncover the secrets to living vibrantly at any age with insights from Andrew Walker and Sue Hlavacek of the National Senior Games Association. Promising a look into this Olympic-like festival, the episode unravels how the games have grown since their inception in 1987 to become a beacon for healthy competition among over 100,000 senior athletes. You'll learn about the unique qualifying journey from state to national levels and the inclusive spirit that welcomes participants from novices to seasoned pros, proving there truly is something for everyone.Meet the inspiring individuals who defy age-related stereotypes through active engagement in sports...2024-10-1437 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Connecting Generations Through GenealogyUnlock the secrets of your family history with our guest, Roger Dudley, a genealogy expert with 45 years of experience. Roger's passion for genealogy was kindled by the 1976 bicentennial celebrations, leading to a lifelong journey of uncovering ancestral tales and penning his first book. Join us as we compare the thrill of genealogical research to detective work and explore how modern technology has revolutionized the field, making resources like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com critical tools for uncovering the past.In this engaging episode, we discuss the emotional and transformative journey of tracing one's lineage. From personal stories to...2024-10-0750 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Insights from Blue Zones for Vitality After 50What if you could unlock the secrets to living a longer, healthier life? Join me, Leslie Maloney, on "Meaning and Moxie After 50," as we uncover the magic behind Blue Zones—those extraordinary regions where people live well into their hundreds with vitality and joy. Inspired by the groundbreaking research of Dan Buettner, we explore the compelling lifestyle habits of centenarians from Okinawa, Sardinia, the Nicoya Peninsula, Ikaria, and Loma Linda. From purpose-driven lives to predominantly plant-based diets, these communities have cracked the code to longevity, and we’re here to share their wisdom with you.In this epis...2024-09-3010 min
The Weekly Show with David J. MaloneyLeslie Mandoki of Mandoki Soulmates InterviewThis week David J. Maloney chats with legendary music producer and musician Leslie Mandoki about his early life and activity in opposition movements in communist Hungary, how he eventually escaped to freedom and kept his fathers dying wish for him "Don't dream your life, live your dreams.", and the heart of the Mandoki Soulmates brand new album, "A Memory of our Future". Don't miss this!2024-09-271h 10Meaning and Moxie After 50Unlocking a Healthier, Toxin-Free Lifestyle with Robin JonasReady to unlock the secrets to a healthier, toxin-free lifestyle? Join us for an enlightening conversation with health coach and former teacher, Robin Jonas, who shares her inspiring journey from the classroom to the world of holistic health and wellness. As a mother, Robin's relentless pursuit to uncover hidden toxins in everyday products reshaped her approach to well-being. We'll dive into the significance of reading ingredients and the perils of greenwashing in marketing, empowering you to make informed choices with the help of tools like the Think Dirty app and the Environmental Working Group.Navigating the maze...2024-09-2345 minMeaning and Moxie After 50From The Farm to NICU: Corina Fitch's Midwifery JourneyJoin me, as I sit down with the Corina Fitch, whose journey from the Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee to becoming a highly respected licensed midwife and NICU nurse spans over 27 transformative years. We uncover the rich history of the Farm, a haven for communal living and Eastern philosophy founded by Stephen Gaskin and a group of visionaries in 1971. Corina's story is one of trust, patience, and the intricate dance of childbirth, drawing from her unique upbringing and her mother's fearless example.Corina's path is a testament to the labyrinthine nature of birth, marked by unpredictable turns...2024-09-1650 minMeaning and Moxie After 50Full-Time Pet Sitting Adventures: Travel the World After 50Ever wondered how to turn your passion for pets and travel into a full-time lifestyle? Barb and John Verba join us to share their journey from being occasional vacationers to becoming full-time pet sitters. Starting with a month-long pet sitting gig in Edinburgh, Scotland, they’ve are now exploring the globe while caring for furry companions. On their website, Sit Stay Trips, they offer invaluable tips and tricks for those looking to follow in their adventurous footsteps.Listen to Barb and John as they recount exhilarating experiences and challenges they've faced along the way, from evacuating during a...2024-09-0941 min