Episodes

In a world that feels increasingly divided, exhausted, and uncertain, hope can feel naïve—or even irresponsible. But Invictus reminds us that hope is not weakness. It is leadership. In this episode of Second Wind, we reflect on the film Invictus and its enduring message: that courage, unity, and vision can shift the emotional direction of an entire nation. Through the lens of the movie, we explore why hope matters now more than ever—and how it becomes a stabilizing force during times of fear, an...

There is no shortage of darkness to focus on. That part is easy. What takes discipline—and courage—is choosing to see what’s still working. In this episode of Second Wind, we explore focusing on the good as a deliberate strategy for 2026, not a feel-good escape. History shows us that the human spirit doesn’t survive by denial—it survives by meaning, resilience, and the ability to recognize hope even while acknowledging hardship. This conversation looks at how individuals and communities endure u...

Not all change arrives with noise. Some of the most important transformations happen quietly—without crisis, without applause, without a clear before-and-after moment. In this episode of Second Wind, we explore what it means to navigate quiet changes: the subtle internal shifts in identity, priorities, relationships, energy, and direction that often go unnoticed by the outside world—but profoundly shape who we are becoming. This conversation is for anyone who feels different but can’t quite expl...

Most people don’t burn out because they don’t care. They burn out because they care too much—and forget to include themselves. In this episode of Second Wind, we examine why loving, capable, responsible people so often end up emotionally, physically, and spiritually depleted while serving family, partners, friends, and work. This isn’t about selfishness versus selflessness. It’s about conditioning, identity, and the quiet belief that our worth is tied to how much we give. We explore how roles be...

Change is inevitable. Suffering through it is not. In this episode of Second Wind, we talk about what it actually means to embrace change—not by forcing optimism or rushing reinvention, but by moving through transition with awareness, intention, and self-respect. This conversation explores the difference between healthy change and reactive change. We discuss why some transitions strengthen us while others exhaust us, how meaning is created during periods of uncertainty, and why resisting change ...

The holidays come with a script—family obligations, forced cheer, overstuffed schedules, and the pressure to make everything “magical.” But if you’re a single empty nester, the old script doesn’t fit anymore…and honestly, maybe it never did. In this month’s episode, Joyce Buford cuts through the noise and helps you design a holiday season that feels like a gift, not a gauntlet. Whether you’re celebrating solo, building new traditions, or navigating complicated family dynamics, Joyce brings her s...

In a world that worships “yes,” saying “no” can feel like a confrontation—even when it’s the most self-respecting choice you can make. This week on Second Wind, Joyce Buford breaks down the art and necessity of saying no without guilt, apology, or explanation. Joyce explores why women in particular struggle with boundaries, how people-pleasing becomes a form of self-abandonment, and what really happens when you stop over-functioning in your relationships, your home, and your work. If you’re exha...

The holidays have a way of magnifying everything—joy, stress, uncertainty, and all the emotional “weather” we carry into the season. On this week’s episode of Second Wind, Joyce Buford sits down to talk honestly about navigating major life transitions during the holidays, when expectations run high and real life doesn’t always cooperate. Whether you're coping with an empty nest, a career shift, the loss of a loved one, a move, or the quiet shock of starting a new chapter, this conversation cuts ...

The holidays can be complicated once life changes — the kids are grown, the marriage has ended, or the people we used to gather with are no longer around the table. What once felt like a season of family chaos and joy can suddenly feel quiet, lonely, or uncertain. In this episode of Second Wind with Joyce Buford, Joyce explores how to rediscover meaning and connection during the holidays after life’s big transitions — whether it’s an empty nest, a divorce, or simply shifting roles. She shares pr...

The holidays can feel complicated once life shifts — the kids are grown, the house is quieter, and the invitations don’t always come the way they used to. This week on Second Wind with Joyce, Joyce and Sandra Beck open up about navigating the holiday season as single, older adults — and how to make peace with celebrating differently. From deciding what events to attend (and which to skip) to handling the awkward “You should come with us!” invitations, they talk candidly about the freedom and the...

As life shifts and the years roll on, one thing becomes crystal clear — women need women. On Second Wind with Joyce Buford, Joyce dives deep into the incredible power of female friendships in the later seasons of life. These are the bonds that carry us through loss, laughter, reinvention, and renewal — the soul connections that remind us we’re never walking this path alone. Drawing from Julia Cameron’s It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again, Joyce explores how meaningful friendships nourish not only...

Living alone isn’t something to fear — it’s an opportunity to thrive. On Second Wind with Joyce Buford, Joyce shares heartfelt, practical wisdom on how to turn solitude into a season of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you’ve recently divorced, lost a partner, or simply find yourself in a quieter home, Joyce shows how living alone can be not just peaceful — but profoundly fulfilling. Drawing inspiration from It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again by Julia Cameron, Joyce invites listeners to s...

When life throws you a curve — whether it’s divorce, the loss of a spouse or parent, or an empty nest that suddenly feels too quiet — it can feel like your story has ended. But as Joyce Buford reminds us on Second Wind with Joyce, every ending is simply an invitation to a new beginning. Drawing from Julia Cameron’s inspiring book It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again, Joyce guides listeners through the process of rediscovering purpose, joy, and creativity in the second half of life. Joyce’s compass...

In this heartfelt episode of Second Wind with Joyce, host Joyce Buford invites listeners into her own experience of attending a sorority reunion in her 70s. With warmth and honesty, she shares the mix of emotions that come with walking back into a room full of familiar faces—some you haven’t seen in decades, some who remind you of your younger self, and all carrying their own stories of life’s twists and turns. Joyce offers thoughtful tips on how to prepare for reunions, both emotionally and pra...

On this deeply personal episode of Second Wind with Joyce, host Joyce Buford opens her heart about one of the toughest battles she’s faced—cancer. Diagnosed not once, but twice, Joyce takes listeners through her journey of resilience, courage, and healing. She shares candidly about her mastectomy, reconstruction, and the emotional and physical toll that comes with facing cancer head-on. More importantly, Joyce offers her wisdom to women walking the same road: the fear, the decisions, the recover...

When Joyce Buford heard the words “it’s back,” her world stopped. For the second time, she was facing breast cancer in the same breast. The fear was familiar, but so was her determination. On Second Wind with Joyce, she opens her heart about what it means to fight the same battle twice—how she leaned on faith, community, and her own inner strength to navigate the shock, the treatment, and the healing. With raw honesty and hope, Joyce shares the coping strategies that carried her through—from dai...

What happens when the host becomes the guest? On this special episode of SecondWind, we flip the mic around and put Joyce Buford—life coach, speaker, and advocate for women in transition—in the hot seat. For years, Joyce has guided women through seasons of reinvention. This time, she shares her own story of transformation. We ask her the questions she usually asks others: What inspired SecondWind in the first place? How has podcasting changed her own journey as a coach and woman? What keeps wome...

In the process of healing it is imperative that you allow yourself time to grieve, but you can not allow yourself to become trapped. Our guest Keisha Blair has experienced grief from losing her husband to a rare illness, and has decided to write a book to create a roadmap for those who are grieving and trying to get back on their feet. She shares how this low point helped her return to her love of writing, be vulnerable, and sort out her feelings.

Losing a loved one to a terminal illness forces you to change in order to adjust to this new version of life. In this episode, Jenny Lisk walks us through the beginning stages of her husband's diagnosis, his death, and life as a widow. She discusses how her life changed with little warning signs, and how she was experiencing so much uncertainty and fear. Jenny was able to use her experience in order to help widows rather than let the grief consume her life.

Aging comes with a lot of questions and uncertainty. What will you make of this next chapter of your life? How will you maintain financial stability? How will you navigate and understand Medicare? Our guest for today’s episode of SecondWind, Kathe Kline, offers a great discussion on Medicare, retirement, aging, and how she helps people during this transition.

It’s easy to forget about practicing self-care when your busy schedule prohibits you from adding much more to your to-do list. On today’s episode of SecondWind, we have Hope Flansburg on to discuss everything relating to self-care from body positivity to work-life balance. She reminds us that making time for ourselves doesn’t have to be such a time consuming task.

We have the ability to make the stories of our lives one that is triumphant and inspiring. Though our guest April Tribe Giauque has faced many adversities at various stages of her life, she still managed to create her happily ever after in her story that continues to be written. She describes the steps she took to free herself and her children from her abusive marriage which included rejecting the victim label and mentality.