In this episode, I talk about a moment that stopped me in my tracks—being shown my “predicted lifespan” during a financial planning session—and how that sparked a deeper reflection on retirement, identity, and what comes next.

After decades of chasing goals, pushing limits, and constantly striving for more, I found myself wondering: who am I if I’m no longer working toward something big?

I also get into the surprising pressure retirees face to find a new “grand purpose.” I challenge the idea that we must reinvent ourselves to live a meaningful life. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a purpose to feel complete, this conversation might shift your perspective.

*****

For the narrative version of this podcast, be sure to follow me on Medium HERE - and read this Medium post here.

In this episode, I share a story from my years as a personal trainer that completely changed how I approach fitness — especially for clients over 50. What started as a routine session quickly turned into a wake-up call about how easily things can go wrong.

It got me thinking: are we being too cautious… or not cautious enough when it comes to training as we age? I get into the confusing world of fitness advice for older adults — from overly gentle, almost comical routines to high-intensity programs that ignore real limitations.

You'll hear what the science actually says about strength and aging, and how to find that “sweet spot” where progress happens safely.

*****

For the narrative version of this podcast, be sure to follow me on Medium HERE - and HERE for this specific episode.

In this episode, inspired by a conversation from the Hidden Brain podcast, I break down how the old adage of "practice makes perfect" isn't accurate if you're performing exercises incorrectly.

In fact, practice makes injury if you're doing it wrong.

I also get into why staying active gets trickier as we age, from muscle loss to reduced coordination and joint stiffness - and what that means for exercises we often think of as “basic.” I walk through common form mistakes and how to approach these movements with good form so you can stay active for the long term.

----------------

For the full Medium story and original transcript be sure to follow me on Medium. Click HERE for this story.

In this episode, I get into how complaining doesn’t just affect your mood — it can indirectly change your brain. Research shows that chronic stress floods the body with cortisol — a hormone that, over time, can damage the hippocampus — the brain’s center for memory and learning. It’s also one of the first regions affected by Alzheimer’s.

Habitual complaining, like any repetitive negative thought pattern, keeps that stress response activated. This is the same mechanism seen in people with PTSD and depression.

This episode will challenge how you think about everyday conversations and the long-term impact of your mindset.

Timeline Highlights

[3:25] – Why never complaining might be more powerful than you think

[5:40] – The “no-dumping zone”: when venting turns into emotional drain

[8:15] – Trauma dumping vs. healthy conversation—what’s the difference?

[10:30] – How complaining rewires your brain (Hebb’s Law explained simply)

[13:05] – The link between stress, cortisol, and long-term brain health

[15:20] – The truth behind the “cranky old person” stereotype

[18:00] – How your mindset today shapes your happiness and longevity

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who could use a little more positivity in their life.

Check out the Medium link for this story HERE.

Who told you to disappear?

In this episode, I get into the idea of becoming “invisible” as we age—especially after 50. I share a personal story that made me reflect on how I’ve always shown up in the world, and why I’ve never quite fit the mold… and honestly, never wanted to.

But is this feeling of invisibility real, or is it something we’ve been conditioned to believe?

I challenge the idea that fading into the background is inevitable and talk about how we can reclaim visibility on our own terms—without chasing youth or approval. This episode is all about redefining presence, confidence, and identity at any age.

1. [6:40] – The warnings I used to hear from clients about becoming “invisible”
2. [9:15] – What “invisibility” actually means and how it shows up in everyday life
3. [12:30] – Breaking down Age-related Gendered Diminishment (AGD)
4. [16:50] – The irony: why many women feel more confident after 50
5. [20:05] – The difference between social invisibility vs. self-invisibility
6. [24:40] – Real-life examples of people defying age stereotypes
7. [28:15] – How to reclaim your presence and live authentically—at any age

If you enjoyed this, please be sure to follow me on Medium for more stories like this one.

In this episode, I take you through my 45-year journey in the fitness world—starting from a skinny 21-year-old lifting weights for the first time, to becoming a seasoned personal trainer. Along the way, I share the real, unfiltered lessons I’ve learned from decades of hands-on experience.

Now 67, I talk about what really happens to your body as you age, especially through your 50s and beyond. I break down the myths and realities—and what you can actually do about them. If you’ve ever wondered how to train smarter (not harder) as you get older, this episode will give you practical, science-backed insights you can start using right away.

Please also check out the Medium version of this episode and be sure to follow for more science-backed tips like these

In this episode, I share a moment that caught me off guard — sitting in my doctor’s waiting room, answering a series of mental health questions that made me pause and ask myself: Am I okay? While I didn’t feel depressed or in danger, I noticed something had shifted. The motivation, curiosity, and drive I’ve always relied on just weren’t firing the same way anymore.

So I did what I tend to do when something doesn’t make sense — I went digging into the research. What I discovered about dopamine, aging, and motivation was both surprising and oddly reassuring.

If you’ve ever wondered why the things that once energized you now feel a bit… flat, you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I explain what’s happening in the brain, why modern habits like social media can make it worse - and what we can do to bring some of that mojo back.

Episode Timeline

[6:05] – What dopamine actually does in the brain — and why it’s about more than just feeling good.

[9:12] – The science behind dopamine decline: why receptors drop roughly 10% per decade as we age.

[12:20] – How social media and variable reward systems exploit our brain’s dopamine loops.

[16:05] – Why feeling less driven isn’t laziness — it may simply be biology doing its thing.

[18:45] – Ten simple ways to naturally boost dopamine and regain your sense of motivation.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and share it with someone who might need a little motivation boost today. Your support helps more people discover the show.

Check out the original story on Medium HERE.

In this episode, I unpack what I learned while trying to figure out why a food I’ve eaten my entire life suddenly became a digestive enemy.

From age-related changes in the gut microbiome to a weakening esophageal valve and shifting digestive chemistry, we shine a light on why new food intolerances can appear out of nowhere. And while we’re at it, I talk about a few other mildly insulting surprises that often arrive with aging — mysterious bruises, unexpected cavities, and those dizzy spells that make the room spin.

Timeline Highlights

[4:10] – The surprising discovery: how aging can trigger new food intolerances.

[7:35] – What actually changes in your digestive system after 50 (and why tofu might suddenly fight back).

[10:18] – The role of the gut microbiome and how it shifts as we age.

[13:26] – Another unwelcome surprise: the mysterious bruises that seem to appear out of nowhere.

[16:11] – Why cavities can start popping up later in life — even if your dental habits haven’t changed.

[19:04] – The spinning-room phenomenon: understanding age-related dizziness and vertigo.

[21:37] – Learning to accept the “small indignities” that come with a body that’s no longer 25.

For more tips like these, be sure to follow me on Medium: https://medium.com/@linda_86854

(Note: Yes, it's a paywall, but it's only $5/month to read anything on the site - and well worth it.)