Shows
Happy Beyond 40Beyond the Hustle: Embracing Stillness, Purpose, and Joy After 40In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Finstad, a leadership coach, mindfulness practitioner, and yoga teacher who's redefining success after 40. Courtney shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to building a purpose-driven coaching business, grounded in calm, courage, and authenticity. Learn how she turned a personal reckoning into a mission to help others align with their values, reclaim their energy, and embrace life as an adventure. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready to pivot, this conversation offers practical wisdom, soulful insights, and a reminder that it’s okay to be a beginner—especially when you’re following your heart...2025-04-3043 minHappy Beyond 40From Lawyer to Leadership Expert: Shannon Bayer’s Journey of Growth and ChangeIn this episode of Happy Beyond 40, Shannon Bayer, with over 20 years of experience in leadership development, shares her unique career journey—from her start in animal science, a stint in law, and evolution into leadership consulting and writing a book. She discusses how networking, strategic connections, and staying true to oneself have shaped her success.Shannon emphasizes the importance of managing career transitions, particularly after job loss, and offers practical advice for navigating layoffs. She also touches on the power of storytelling, owning your unconventional path, and how managing change requires a strong understanding of your values an...2025-03-2636 minHappy Beyond 40Finding Your Passion: Laura Best on Reclaiming Your Voice and Building CommunityIn this podcast episode, Laura Best shares her journey of transforming her life by embracing her passion and creating the Passion Collective community. She reflects on how she shifted from a corporate environment, where she felt her voice and energy were stifled, to a space where she could reconnect with herself and help others find their passions. Laura discusses the misconceptions around passion, emphasizing its power as a motivational force that drives us toward meaningful activities. She also explores the concept of "passion stacking," where you integrate what you love into your daily life, and offers practical t...2025-02-2644 minHappy Beyond 40From MS to Mentorship: Johanna Hising DiFabio on Evolving as a LeaderIn this episode, we welcome guest Johanna Hising DiFabio, who shares her evolving perspective on the new year, leadership, and personal growth. She reflects on how she has become more focused on adding value in the right places, embracing curiosity, and celebrating diverse cultures—shaped by her international school upbringing. As someone who oversees two executive degree programs at MIT's Sloan School of Management, Jo discusses the importance of nurturing leaders who impact society. She emphasizes the significance of trust, mentorship, and self-reflection, particularly for women navigating challenges in traditionally male-dominated fields. Jo shares her personal experience of being di...2025-01-3040 minHappy Beyond 40Reflecting on Our Journey: Highlights and Lessons from Season 2In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we reflect on the highlights and lessons of Season 2, marking an important milestone in our journey. Marci and Sarah share their personal mantras from 2024 and discuss how these themes have shaped their experiences over the past year. We celebrate the growth fostered through this podcast and the deeper connections formed within our community. Both of us dive into our individual life transitions and the mental health practices they've embraced. The episode highlights the unique paths to success and the importance of surrounding oneself with uplifting influences while navigating change. Listeners will gain insights...2024-12-1822 minHappy Beyond 40Careers, Coping, and Insights from Kerry Seitz on Emotional ResilienceIn this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we have an amazing conversation with Kerry Seitz, Vice President of Women's Leadership at the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership. With over two decades of coaching and consulting experience, Kerry shares her insights on personal growth, career transitions, and emotional resilience. We discuss the significance of authenticity and self-reflection in navigating non-linear career paths and how emotional awareness can drive personal development. Kerry also illustrates her points with a personal story that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings during life changes. Join us as we explore practical communication strategies and the concept...2024-11-2041 minHappy Beyond 40How to Create a Life That Feels Purposeful, Authentic, and Joyful with Eric JacksonIn this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we speak with Eric Jackson, also known as Coach J, who shares his nearly 40-year journey in football coaching and mentorship. We discuss his impactful experiences at prestigious institutions and his current role as a college and career readiness coach in Michigan. Eric emphasizes his philosophy of creating inclusive cultures filled with joy and curiosity, which encourages students to discover their potential. He recounts transformative stories from his coaching career, illustrating the profound effects of mentorship. Eric’s insights on gratitude, resilience, and community underscore the importance of nurturing relationships. 2024-10-3035 minHappy Beyond 40Healing Through Pleasure: Ayce Kyptyn's Inspirational Story of Recovery and AuthenticityToday, we're thrilled to have Ayce Kyptyn, a somatic sexologist and advocate for emotional and sexual well-being, join us on the podcast.Ayce's journey from losing everything—his job, health, family, and home—to finding professional help and rebuilding his life has shaped his passion for supporting others through similar struggles. Inspired by "Sex, Love, and Goop" on Netflix, Ayce undertook intensive training in somatic sexology, discovering the profound impact of self-love and intimacy.In this episode, we'll delve into Ayce's story of overcoming societal taboos, understanding erotic blueprints, and the transformative power of the "plea...2024-09-2529 minHappy Beyond 40Welcome to Happy Beyond 40As we are evolving, the show needed to as well! So we are excited to announce that we are rebranding to...Happy Beyond 40!!Join us as we continue to bring you the same amazing content with more amazing guests!2024-09-1100 minHappy Beyond 40The Influences of Family, Mentorship, and Community Service with LaVera and RichardIn this episode, we sit down with repeat guest, LaVera Butler and her uncle, Richard Gaines, to explore the profound influences of family, mentorship, and community service. LaVera shares how her uncle Richard's humor and support shaped her life, while Richard highlights LaVera's role in cultivating his patience and compassion.Discover what influenced both of their service-oriented paths. From Peace Corps missions to leadership roles, Richard and LaVera embody dedication to community and personal growth. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, gratitude, and the power of positive influence, and reflect on the mentors who have...2024-08-2837 minHappy Beyond 40Navigating Life and Work: Bill Springer on Staying True to YourselfWe are thrilled to have Bill Springer, a senior contributor at Forbes Magazine and a leading journalist in super yachts and luxury travel, as our special guest. In this engaging conversation, we delve deep into Bill's incredible journey, from his beginnings in the adventurous world of sailing journalism to founding Swizzle Sports Media. We’ll explore Bill's candid reflections on living authentically, balancing the fine line between his public persona and private self, and grappling with imposter syndrome. Bill shares his passion for adventure, including a memorable visit to Antarctica, and expresses his creative side with anecdotes abo...2024-07-3129 minHappy Beyond 40Transforming Business Practices through Self-Worth and Vulnerability with Liz EskenaziIn this episode we sit down with the remarkable Liz Eskenazi, executive coach, consultant, and founder of Mind the Core. Liz shares her journey from a corporate role to becoming an intentional entrepreneur, celebrating the 5-year anniversary of her business. She opens up about the challenges of maintaining self-worth in the face of triggering questions and the transformative power of vulnerability. Together, we explore the importance of living authentically, understanding energy and motivation, and the impact of self-awareness on growth. Liz's insights on leadership, her vision for the evolution of Mind the Core, and her recommendations for powerful reading...2024-06-2640 min
Happy Beyond 40The importance of understanding our value and feeling valued by othersIn this episode, Sarah and Marcy discuss their values and how understanding their values and self-worth impacts how they show up in the world and contribute to various part of their lives. They tackle questions like: What are some of the values that you bring? What do you hope people value in you? How do you know when you are being valued? What does that feel like? Tune in to hear their conversation. Resource mentioned in this episode: Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave EvansTo connect with...2024-05-2831 min
Happy Beyond 40Transitioning into authenticity and joy with Audrey AtkinsonIn this episode we welcome Audrey Atkinson to the pod to talk about her journey as a transgender woman, finding her way to a truly joyful and authentic life. After making the decision to live her truth, Audrey expresses gratitude for community and the importance of it. Listen to this episode and be inspired by Audrey's wisdom, courage and enormous heart.Resources: Audrey Now Transgender Legislation Tracker Erin in the Morning Out Boulder County One Colorado The Human Rights CampaignWe would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: conversationsandconnections02@gmail.com2024-04-2931 min
Happy Beyond 40Leading an authentic life with Sarah BettmanIn this episode we welcome Sarah Bettman to the pod to talk about leading an authentic life and how she is making it possible. Sarah is a self-proclaimed instigator of change. She is a consultant, coach, speaker and host of the Live Stoked | Lead Stoked podcast. In her work, she blends organizational culture, leadership, and wellbeing principles to create meaningful experiences for her clients, whether they are individuals or organizations, that create the solid foundations for them to grow from.We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: conversationsandconnections02@gmail.com2024-03-1136 min
Happy Beyond 40Trust! What is fundamental when establishing and maintaining it?Welcome listeners! Today we talk about trust. We have chosen this topic because both of us have recently had trust broken (or in question) in situations unique to each of us, yet we find that the impact and feelings are similar. What is fundamental when establishing and maintaining trust? What are we working on when it comes to trust? Perhaps mending it or building it? We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: conversationsandconnections02@gmail.com2024-02-2922 min
Happy Beyond 40Shifting expectations and norms around New Year resolutionsToday we dive into what it means for each of us to start a new year! There is so much talk and expectations for goal setting, resolutions and aspirations - and if there is anything that we learned from last year’s conversations and connections - we both feel we need to approach this a bit differently and in ways that are inspirational and fulfilling. So...we are letting go of cultural expectations of what we should do for the new year, who we should be, and what our goals should be as 40-something year olds still fi...2024-01-1522 min
Happy Beyond 40Best of season 1! Highlights, inspirations and what's next.Conversations & Connections is officially one-year this month! We've been at this for a year!In this episode we reflect on our experience co-hosting this podcast and expressing gratitude for our incredible guests. What started as a mission to connect with others and have conversations has turned into so much more! Listen as we recap some of the most meaningful moments for us in the last year and hear what we hope for going into 2024!2023-10-2824 min
Happy Beyond 40Real talk on feeding your soul, making an impact, love and enoughness with Benjamin Von WongIn this conversation we connect with Benjamin Von Wong. Von Wong is an international artist, activist and photographer focused on amplifying positive impact and making that impact unforgettable. The magnitude of Von Wong’s work is beyond articulation as it leaves observers in awe and wonder. While Von Wong is publicly known for his art and photography, he shares his wisdom with us about following his passions, building personal guidelines, being enough and living with ease. Click the link below to see his incredible work and listen to this episode for more insight!https://www.vonwong.com/...2023-09-1239 min
Happy Beyond 40Living in Authenticity: The impact of being true to your passions and principles with Tola AtewologunIn this episode we are joined by teacher, mentor and intellectual, Tola Atewologun. Not long ago, Tola made the brave decision to leave a career in finance to pursue one in education, and to make sure he would do it well. Tola comes to the conversation with principles and authenticity worth hearing and practicing. Whether or not you are a teacher, his perspective and words of wisdom are aspirational. A must listen to!!Resources suggested in this episode: Alliance for Decision Education Coddling of the American Mind Works by Adam Grant2023-09-1228 min
Happy Beyond 40Announcing our podcast name change!!Announcement: We are changing our podcast name from Always be Recording to Conversations & Connections!Based on feedback from our listeners, Sarah and I want to ensure our title is reflective of our mission which is about chatting with people about midlife, our experiences and inspirations, an in a way that fosters connection! So, going forward, Conversations & Connections will be our title and mantra!Stay tuned for episode 10 coming later this month!!2023-08-1001 min
Happy Beyond 40Investing in your best life with Susan MacKenty BradyIn this episode, we are joined by best-selling author, mentor, coach and wonderful all around human, Susan MacKenty Brady. Now is our time to create space for a new path forward—to recommit to the practices that will help us find joy, light--and more fulfillment in each day. It all starts with the story that we tell ourselves in our head---our Inner Critic. In fact, what we think and feel drives what we say and do. What happens when we give ourselves permission to discover what bring us light and recommit to that? What happens when we create space for se...2023-07-2236 min
Happy Beyond 40Making sense of the chaos! Navigating connection, identity, and relationships 
Happy Beyond 40Finding and following your life passion with special guest Meggin AndersonWhat would your world look like if you followed your passion? If you’re curious about creating your own path forward... one that allows you to build on what truly ignites you.... if you've ever asked yourself "what if" .... then this episode is for you. We welcome special guest Meggin Anderson, who is a business owner, mentor and BODi partner. Ten years ago, she made a BOLD move and a BIG change, shedding 80 pounds and starting her own health and wellness company. Meggin shares how she navigated this shift one step at a time with discipline, focus an...2023-05-3026 min
Happy Beyond 40Navigating change and your awakening with LaVera ButlerSarah and Marcy welcome their first guest to ABR, LaVera Butler! LaVera brings an array of personal and professional experience to the conversation. She shares what lights her up, ideas about navigating change and what it means to "awaken" her authentic self, talents, learning and creativity. LaVera gifts Sarah, Marcy and listeners with beautiful wisdom as it relates to seeking support and knowing yourself while navigating change. LaVera Butler is a candidate for Integral Coach Certification. She is passionate about the process of self discovery and guiding professionals in making decisions that serve them and those they...2023-04-3025 min
Happy Beyond 40Trying to understand vulnerabilityMarcy and Sarah try to understand their own vulnerabilities and how to manage them. Both are trying to lean into being vulnerable while learning more about what they each need and experience when feeling vulnerable. In this episode they share what it means to be vulnerable, what role vulnerability plays in their lives, what it takes to be vulnerable, and how their past experiences, personality types, professions and relationships all have had an impact of just how vulnerable they are willing to be. Also, as always, Marcy and Sarah share resources and tools that support their personal journeys. 2023-04-0922 min
Happy Beyond 40Do you know your purpose?Sarah and Marcy talk about purpose. What does that even mean? Is your life's purpose the same as your career? Is it more about your life style? How do you know what your purpose is? Do we need to know? Tune into hear the ways Marcy and Sarah define purpose and how their definitions continue to shift as they grow, reflect and figure out what lights them up!Tool referenced and suggested in this episode: The Long Game by Dorie Clark2023-02-2618 min
Happy Beyond 40Thinking about privilegeSarah and Marcy answer some tricky questions about their privilege. In what ways do you identify as privileged and how has such privilege shaped you? What 1-2 experiences have you had this past week/month/year that demonstrate this for you and what did you learn from it? How do we navigate day to day to ensure we are pushing self-growth, learning, mitigating privilege, etc.?Tools referenced and suggested in this episode: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi Mastering Your Inner Critic by Susan MacKenty Brady...2023-01-2724 min
Happy Beyond 40It's a daily practice! Navigating change during midlifeChange is a fact of life! In this episode, Marcy and Sarah share their recent experience dealing with big changes in their lives and a few of the practices that are helping them manage the day-to-day burden that can come with these shifts. "When we pay attention to how we react, create space to manage our physical and emotional well being, and lean-in to pressing pause, we can make all of this feel more manageable".Tools referenced and suggested in this episode (no links this time): Doing what brings you joy! Going outside Journaling Working out...2022-12-1924 min
Happy Beyond 40Intro and what we are aboutIn this first episode, Sarah and Marcy introduce themselves and the reasons they are coming together to discuss (and record!) their midlife experiences. They a share a bit about podcast goals, their 20+ year friendship and identify ground rules for supporting each other during challenging times, life changes and personal growth. This episode, and that follow, include inspirational books, people, quotes and other tools they find useful. Tools referenced and suggested in this episode: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown Disability Visibility by Alice Wong No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz Over It and On Wi...2022-11-2022 min