Episodes

What if the secret to aging well isn’t found in anti-wrinkle creams or retirement plans, but in purpose, community, and perspective? Filmmaker Sky Bergman discovered this truth when she interviewed 40 elders aged 75+, gathering a collective wisdom of 3,000 years. Sky’s journey from a 30-year university teaching career to documentary filmmaking at midlife—sparked by her 100-year-old grandmother's active lifestyle—reveals how embracing change and purpose can transform the later years of life. Des...

In this inspiring episode of Aging With Purpose and Passion, Caren Paskel shares her extraordinary transformation from a shy, anxious teenager to a woman of unshakable self-belief. Her journey began with yoga, a practice that sparked a spiritual awakening and became her anchor through life’s storms. When she met David—her soulmate and a bold dreamer 12 years her junior—Caren’s world expanded. Together, they built a life and businesses filled with purpose, defying doubts about their age gap. Fac...

Mary Beth O’Connor’s life is a gripping redemption story of addiction recovery and resilience. From surviving childhood abuse, sexual assault, and decades of methamphetamine addiction to achieving 30 years of sobriety as a federal court judge, her journey inspires women over 50 to find purpose and passion. In this Aging with Purpose and Passion podcast episode, O’Connor shares with Beverley Glazer the raw mechanics of transformation—how trauma fueled her dependency, starting with alcohol at 12 ...

Shelia Schneider's journey from military spouse to nonprofit leader reveals how our life experiences perfectly prepare us for unexpected purpose. Raised in a family where all nine siblings had military connections and later marrying an Air Force serviceman, Shelia intimately understood the challenges military families face—frequent relocations, year-long separations, and the struggle to maintain career continuity while supporting a service member. Her professional path was anything but linea...

What does it take to rebuild your life after unimaginable tragedy? Dr. Kimberly Harms knows this journey intimately. Born as a thalidomide baby with seven fingers, she defied an advisor who told her dental school was impossible, going on to become the first female president of the Minnesota Dental Association. But her greatest challenges came later – losing her mother to suicide, then facing her son Eric's suicide at just 19 years old. The moment that transformed her grief journey came unexpect...

Step into a world where age is embraced, creativity flourishes, and women empower one another. In this enriching episode, Beverley Glazer talks with Jacqueline Perez (Jack), a gifted poet and founder of Kuel Life, who discovered her passion for poetry at the age of 60. With a backdrop of cultural challenges as a child of Cuban refugees, Jacqueline shares her journey of navigating life’s hurdles - from corporate dissatisfaction to the emotional turbulence of menopause. Jacqueline's candid reflec...

In this episode of Aging with Purpose and Passion, host Beverley Glazer welcomes Dawn Smith, a relationship and career transition coach who has embraced her ADHD and non-conformity to inspire others. Dawn shares her personal journey from feeling like a misfit to finding her purpose as a mentor and coach. This insightful conversation reveals how embracing authenticity can lead to deeper connections and more meaningful relationships. Dawn offers practical communication strategies, including the c...

In this empowering episode of Aging with Purpose and Passion, host Beverley Glazer sits down with financial expert Sherry Finkel Murphy, founder of Madrina Molly, to explore how women can take actionable steps towards financial security and financial independence at any age. Sherry challenges misconceptions about women and money, offering practical advice that helps foster confidence in financial planning and wellbeing. Together, they dive into: • Sherry’s journey into financial planning and em...

What if your life could truly begin at 50? In this inspiring episode, Aging with Purpose and Passion welcomes Margie Zable Fisher, who took a bold leap from a high-powered PR career to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an author. After experiencing career burnout, Margie found herself searching for new purpose, ultimately rediscovering her passion for writing—proving that reinvention after loss and starting over at 50 is not only possible but deeply rewarding. Margie’s journey is shaped by ...

In this episode, we dive into the powerful transformation of Blanca Rodriguez, from a life marked by trauma and addiction to one of empowerment, healing, and purpose. Blanca’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for anyone looking to break free from their past and embrace personal growth. Her story emphasizes the vital role of self-care, education, and breaking the silence around mental health. We’ll explore: • Blanca’s traditional upbringing and the struggles with self-worth that shaped her ear...

How do the stories of our past shape who we become? In this episode of Aging with Purpose and Passion, host Beverley Glazer talks to Jackie Tantillo, veteran broadcaster and host of Should Have Listened to My Mother, to explore the deep, lasting impact of maternal influence on our lives. Jackie, the youngest of seven in an Italian-American family, shares personal reflections on how childhood experiences, familial bonds, and life’s unexpected twists—including a career in radio broadcasting and a...

This episode emphasizes the transformative journey from codependency to self-awareness and personal empowerment, highlighting Josette Diaz's experiences and insights. It encourages listeners to prioritize their own needs, learn to love themselves, and recognize that their past does not define their future. • Josette's early life shaped her beliefs about worthiness • The challenge of overcoming childhood trauma and creating healthy relationships • Importance of therapy and self-awareness in brea...

After a tumultuous upbringing in a conservative Christian household filled with challenges and expectations, Alina Wilson, the visionary founder and CEO of Bridgeport Laser and Wellness Center, opens up about her personal trials, from teenage pregnancy and eventually navigating complex relationships and marriages. Her story is a testament to defiance and independence, as she chose her own path despite societal pressures and personal setbacks, including a marriages that ended due to substance abu...

This week, Melissa Davey joins us to share her remarkable journey of transformation from a corporate executive to an award-winning filmmaker, all beginning at the age of 65. Her story is an inspiring testament to resilience and the power of pursuing one's passion, regardless of age. Growing up with frequent relocations, Melissa developed adaptability and resilience, traits that would later fuel her bold leap into filmmaking. Despite a lifelong love for film, she initially followed a more tradit...

What happens when life's challenges seem insurmountable? Rhonda Nelson, an author, speaker, patient advocate, and philanthopist, shares her incredible journey of resilience and purpose in the face of profound personal loss and health struggles. Her story begins with the early loss of her father and the subsequent tragedy that took her stepfather's life, leaving her to navigate grief, her business and support her mother. Despite these hardships, Rhonda's unwavering faith and spiritual upbrin...

Growing up in a small Texas town, Barbara Holifield faced a childhood shadowed by addiction and loss. She bravely shares her journey of navigating intergenerational trauma, offering profound insights into how the unresolved pain and chaos of one generation can ripple into the next. Through the power of education and the support of a nurturing alternative school, Barbara discovered the healing potential of poetry and storytelling, underscoring the critical role of moral support in overcoming life...

What happens when a former nun finds her calling in the corporate world? Join me, Beverley Glazer, as we unravel the awe-inspiring journey of Denise Pyles, a dedicated mindfulness coach and former nun whose life is a testament to resilience and purpose. Raised in a large Catholic family, Denise learned the values of love, service, and faith early on, which guided her through formidable health challenges like chronic endometriosis. These trials didn't deter her; instead, they led her to discover ...

When the very people you trusted the most were the ones who betrayed you, who can you trust? Join me, Beverley Glazer, as I talk with the resilient Kerri Lewis, a Grief Practitioner, Author and founder of Second Act Mastery. Kerri shares her profound journey from a tumultuous childhood and many betrayals to a path of empowerment and love. Growing up in a household overshadowed by conflict, Kerri learned to make herself invisible to dodge her parents' unhappiness. Her story takes a dramatic turn ...

What happens when a rock star turns their life around after a near-fatal accident? Join Beverley Glazer as she speaks with Michele Blood, the former Australian rock singer who transformed personal tragedy into a journey of healing and spiritual enlightenment. This episode offers a compelling tale of resilience, as Michele shares how the power of affirmations and music not only aided her recovery but also led her to become a spiritual guide and empowerment figure. From performing with bands like ...

Growing up with a significantly older brother in Baltimore, Maggie Mills became a master of self-entertainment, nurturing a fierce independence and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Join us as we uncover how her educational journey across five different colleges fueled her passion for storytelling, inspired by the legendary photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White. Maggie's career is a testament to resilience and adaptability, balancing motherhood and a sales job with a deep-rooted love for wri...

Join me, Beverley Glazer, as we go on the extraordinary journey of Diane Gilman, the iconic Jean Queen, whose passion for fashion design blossomed against all odds. Imagine this: a young girl growing up in a world where fashion was still finding its feet, only to carve a path mingling with legends like Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. Diane's story is more than a tale of success; it's a testament to resilience and the audacity to follow your dreams, no matter where or when they start. Her unstoppa...

After years of navigating the turbulent waters of childhood trauma, Zahara Celestial has emerged with a powerful story of transformation and resilience. Join us as Zahara shares her journey as an "awakened child," coping with painful memories and finding strength in nature and divine connection. Her experiences with severe trauma led her to profound out-of-body experiences, granting her peace and guiding her towards a purpose of helping others heal. Listen as Zahara recounts a pivotal 2018 trip ...

What does it mean to truly forgive, and how can this journey transform your life? Join Beverley Glazer as she explores these profound questions with Dara McKinley, who brings a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing with an atheist father and a Catholic mother. Encouraged to find her own spiritual path, Dara discovered a deep connection with Buddhist psychology and the concept of Maitri, or unconditional love and kindness. Through her story, you'll gain insights into how spirituality and ps...

Childhood abuse and a tumultuous home life might have led Dr. Lynette Louise down a darker path, but instead, they ignited a fire within her to foster love and healing in the world. Known as the Brain Broad, Lynette shares her incredible journey of resilience and transformation, exploring how her past became the catalyst for adopting children with special needs and innovating therapeutic techniques. Get ready to be inspired by her powerful story of breaking cycles and the profound impact of choo...