Episodes

What makes a life meaningful? How do we build stronger relationships, become better people, and create a life that feels deeper than a list of accomplishments? On this episode of Second Wind, Joyce Buford explores the books and ideas of David Brooks, whose writing has examined everything from ambition and character to community, relationships, purpose, and the way we understand one another. Drawing from books such as The Road to Character, The Second Mountain, and How to Know a Person, Joyce loo...

International travel has a way of changing more than your location. It can change your perspective, challenge your routines, and remind you just how big and interesting the world really is. On this episode of Second Wind, Sandra Beck talks with Joyce Buford about the rewards of traveling internationally—experiencing new cultures, trying unfamiliar foods, navigating different customs, and learning to be comfortable outside your usual environment. They discuss how travel can build confidence, curi...

You don’t always have to get on a plane or travel hundreds of miles to feel like you’ve gotten away. On this episode of Second Wind, Sandra Beck talks with Joyce Buford about the joys of traveling locally—exploring nearby towns, trying new restaurants, visiting parks and museums, taking scenic drives, and discovering places you may have overlooked simply because they were close to home. They talk about how local travel can bring adventure back into everyday life without the expense, planning, an...

Some seasons ask more of us than we ever expected to give. Loss, change, uncertainty, disappointment, and exhaustion can leave us wondering how we keep moving forward when life looks nothing like we planned. On this episode of Second Wind, Sandra Beck talks with Joyce Buford about finding grace in the middle of difficult seasons—not by pretending everything is fine, but by learning how to meet life where it is. Together, they explore what it means to give yourself room to struggle, release what ...

Dolly Parton is much more than a legendary singer and songwriter. She is a storyteller, businesswoman, philanthropist, actress, and cultural icon whose influence has reached far beyond country music. On this episode of Second Wind, Sandra Beck talks with Joyce Buford about the many gifts of Dolly Parton—from her unmistakable talent and sense of humor to her generosity, resilience, business savvy, and ability to remain authentically herself through decades in the public eye. They explore the less...

The best trips don’t end when we unpack the suitcase. In Part Two of Joyce’s Scotland journey, the conversation turns to the moments, conversations and experiences that stay with us long after we return home. Against the unforgettable backdrop of Scotland, Joyce explores how travel can create space for reflection, deepen friendships and bring old memories and emotions unexpectedly to the surface. There is beauty in seeing a new place, but sometimes the greater discovery is seeing our own lives f...

Pack your bags and head to Scotland with Joyce as she shares the first part of a journey filled with dramatic landscapes, centuries of history, unexpected moments and the kind of experiences you simply can’t plan. From winding roads and mist-covered hills to old stone buildings and the unmistakable atmosphere of the Scottish countryside, this trip quickly became about much more than checking destinations off a list. On this episode of Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce reflects on what happens when w...

Our skin changes as we age, but that doesn’t mean we have to fight every line, spot or change we see in the mirror. In this episode of Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce takes a practical look at what happens to our skin over time and how we can care for it with more knowledge, less hype and a little more kindness toward ourselves. From dryness and changes in texture to sun damage, collagen loss and shifting skincare needs, Joyce explores the habits and choices that can make a meaningful difference. ...

Making a will is one of those things many of us know we should do, but it is easy to keep putting off. In this episode of Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce talks about the practical and emotional side of preparing for the decisions that come at the end of life. From choosing who will handle your affairs to deciding what happens to your belongings, finances and personal wishes, this conversation is about getting organized before a crisis forces someone else to make those choices for you. Joyce also l...

Christopher Nolan takes on one of the oldest and most influential adventure stories ever told in The Odyssey. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the legendary warrior struggling to return home after the Trojan War while confronting dangerous seas, mythical creatures, seductive temptations and the consequences of his own choices. On this episode of Second Wind with Joyce Buford, Joyce reviews the film’s performances, visual spectacle and modern interpretation of Homer’s classic tale. Does this massive...

Scotland is a destination that invites you to slow down, look around and become part of its story. From historic cities and ancient castles to quiet villages, dramatic coastlines and the sweeping beauty of the Highlands, every visit offers something new to discover. Joyce Buford has traveled to Scotland many times, returning not only for the scenery but also for the warmth of the people, the depth of the history and the unmistakable character of the country. In this episode of Second Wind, Joyce...

The Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, parades, family gatherings and patriotic displays, but the holiday began with a bold political decision that changed the course of history. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the thirteen American colonies would separate from British rule. Although the Revolutionary War continued for several more years, July 4 became the symbolic birthday of the United States. Over time, Americans dev...

Traveling solo after the age of 70 can be one of life's most rewarding adventures. Whether you're taking your first independent trip or returning to a passion you've put on hold, a little preparation can make all the difference. In this episode of Second Wind, Joyce Buford explores what to realistically expect when traveling on your own, from navigating airports and hotels to managing fatigue, technology, and changing travel routines. You'll also discover why asking for help is not a sign of wea...

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to being a grandparent. Every family has different needs, boundaries, traditions, and expectations. In this insightful episode of Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce Buford and Sandra Beck explore how to create a grandparenting role that brings joy, support, and connection—without guilt, resentment, or unrealistic expectations. From occasional babysitting to long-distance relationships, from family vacations to respecting parenting styles, Joyce and Sandra discuss...

Many people think writing a memoir is simply about recording the past, but the process often becomes something much more meaningful. In this heartfelt episode of Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce Buford welcomes author and publisher Sandra Beck to discuss the surprising ways writing your life story can bring healing, clarity, gratitude, and personal growth. Whether your memories are joyful, painful, or somewhere in between, putting them on paper can help you discover patterns, reconnect with your pu...

We often extend patience, understanding, and compassion to friends, family, and even strangers when they make mistakes. So why is it so difficult to offer ourselves that same grace? In this thoughtful episode of Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce Buford and Sandra Beck explore the harsh inner critic that keeps so many of us trapped in guilt, shame, and perfectionism. Together, they discuss why self-compassion is not weakness but a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and personal growth. Learn prac...

Have you always wanted to write a book but didn't know where to begin? In this inspiring episode of Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce Buford welcomes bestselling author, publisher, and writing coach Sandra Beck to discuss how ordinary people can become published authors. Sandra shares practical strategies for moving from idea to manuscript, overcoming perfectionism, finding your authentic voice, and building a writing habit that fits real life. Whether you're dreaming of writing a memoir, a novel, a...

At some point, many of us begin to realize something uncomfortable: when we’re gone, so are our stories. The recipes disappear. The family history fades. The hard-earned lessons, the mistakes, the love stories, the struggles, the funny moments nobody else remembers — all of it can quietly vanish within a generation or two unless someone writes it down. That is why more people are beginning to write memoirs later in life. Not because they think they are celebrities. Not because they believe their...

For years, maybe decades, the idea sat quietly in the background. A novel. A memoir. A story only you could tell. Somewhere between raising kids, building careers, paying bills, surviving heartbreak, caregiving, divorces, reinventions, and simply trying to keep life moving, the dream of writing a book got pushed to the bottom drawer. But something changes in midlife. You realize time matters. Your stories matter. And maybe most importantly, you finally have something worth saying. Writing your f...

Easter didn’t start with pastel baskets and chocolate bunnies—and once you see where these traditions actually come from, the holiday takes on a whole new layer of meaning. In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck joins Joyce Buford to unpack the surprising history behind our modern Easter celebrations. They explore how ancient spring festivals, symbols of rebirth, and early Christian beliefs merged over time to create what we now recognize as Easter. From the origins of the Easter Bunn...

Dizziness and vertigo can stop you in your tracks—one minute you’re fine, the next the room feels like it’s spinning or tilting sideways. In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck sits down with Joyce Buford to talk about what’s really going on when your balance is off—and why it’s more common than people admit. They break down the difference between general dizziness and true vertigo, what can trigger it (from inner ear issues to stress and dehydration), and why midlife can be a turning...

Visualization gets tossed around like a buzzword, but when it’s done right, it’s a practical tool—not wishful thinking. In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck joins Joyce Buford to break down how visualization actually works in real life—and why most people do it wrong. They move past vague “vision boards” and get into what it really means to mentally rehearse your next chapter. From rewiring old thought patterns to creating emotional alignment with future goals, Sandra and Joyce expl...

What happens when January motivation fades and life quietly slides back into old patterns? In this episode of Second Wind Radio, Sandra Beck sits down with Joyce Buford to talk about the reality most people avoid: starting over… again. March becomes the real beginning—not the performative one tied to resolutions, but the grounded, honest reset that comes after setbacks, distractions, and a little self-awareness. Sandra and Joyce unpack why failure isn’t the problem—quitting is—and how to reframe...

2026 doesn’t need to be another year you react to. It can be the year you intentionally design. In this episode of Second Wind, we dive into practical, grounded goal planning for 2026—without hustle culture, magical thinking, or burnout. This conversation is about clarity, alignment, and making decisions that support who you are now, not who you used to be. Whether you’re starting over, pivoting midlife, or refining a vision that’s already forming, you’ll walk away with tools to set meaningful g...