Education

The Midlife Chrysalis

The Midlife Chrysalis is a one-hour podcast hosted by Chip Conley, bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife and founder of MEA (Modern Elder Academy). Chip and his high-profile guests – including Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, Elizabeth Gilbert, Michael Franti, and more – dive into raw, vulnerable conversations about the profound transitions they’ve experienced in midlife.

Listeners get a rare look at how even the most successful individuals have to navigate life’s pivotal changes – and gain practical wisdom they can apply in their own lives for a more fulfilling and purposeful next chapter.

Latest Episodes:

Laird Hamilton & Gabby Reece on Love, Longevity, and Aging with Power Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered why some people get stronger, wiser, and more grounded with age?

In this powerful conversation, Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece reveal why midlife is actually the most dynamic, resilient, and liberating season of life. They open up about growing up on islands, how they met, what keeps their partnership strong, and why presence, patience, and community matter more than ever. From breathwork and injury recovery to identity shifts, parenting, and purpose, they share the hard-earned wisdom that helps them stay grounded, strong, and deeply connected.

If you’re ready to see midlife as a chrysalis, not a crisis, this episode is for you. Watch now.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome

00:09 Childhood and Island Upbringing

05:06 How Gabby and Laird Met

09:24 Navigating Two Athletic Careers

14:26 Relationship with Your Aging Body

21:46 Breathwork and Training Philosophy

26:04 Books and Science Behind Breathwork

29:42 Midlife Crisis vs Midlife Chrysalis

37:59 What Gets Better With Age

41:51 Relationship With Risk and Mortality

45:36 Presence and Stillness

51:47 Wisdom Bumper Sticker

54:17 Closing Remarks

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#LairdHamilton #GabbyReece #MidlifeWisdom #MidlifeChrysalis #HealthyAging #LongevityLifestyle #BreathworkTraining #MindBodyHealth #MidlifeTransformation #AgingWell #PeakPerformance #AthleteMindset #MidlifeGrowth #ModernElder #ChipConley

How Curiosity Fuels a Longer, Healthier Life Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

What if the secret to living longer isn’t in your genes… but in your mindset?

In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Chip Conley reveals the surprising research showing how a simple shift in how we think about aging can add years—yes, actual years—to our lives. From Becca Levy’s longevity findings to Carol Dweck’s growth-mindset principles, Chip breaks down why curiosity, openness, and lifelong learning may be the real fountain of youth.

You’ll learn why “I’m too old to…” is one of the most dangerous beliefs we carry, how anticipated regret can propel us into action, and why midlife is actually one of the most powerful stages for reinvention.

If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible in your next chapter, this episode will change how you see aging forever.

Tune in now and start shaping the mindset that shapes your life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Canadian spelling banter

02:56 Shifting mindset on aging

05:59 Anticipated regret as motivation

07:50 Lifelong learning and curiosity

10:09 What gets better with age

11:21 You’re not “too old” for anything

14:18 Mindset as invisible life framework

15:40 Weekly mindset assignment and closing remarksWhich of the 12 Reasons Most or Least Resonates With You? https://chipconley.com/reasons-quiz/ Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#wisdomwednesday #midlifegrowth #agingmindset #growthmindset #proaging #lifelonglearning #longevitymindset #chipconley #meaprogram #mindsetshift #curiosityasapower #midlifetransitions #positiveaging #mindsetmatters #livebetterlonger

Marianne Williamson: The Courage to Age, Evolve & Challenge Power Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

What if everything you’ve believed about midlife is completely outdated?

In this powerful conversation, Marianne Williamson sheds light on the truth about aging, visibility, and what it truly means to enter the second half of life with purpose. She shares raw reflections on menopause, identity shifts, modern rites of passage, and why midlife is less a crisis and more a spiritual turning point. Marianne also speaks about wisdom, reinvention, societal expectations, and how embracing your “third chapter” can unlock a deeper, more courageous version of yourself.

If you’re ready to rethink aging and step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence, watch the full episode now.

Timestamps:

00:00 Midlife awakening as unmapped territory

01:16 Aging, visibility, and grief for past identities

04:30 Rites of passage and communal transitions

08:13 Policy, culture shift, and public support

11:49 Government support for wisdom schools

13:06 Reflections on running for president

18:34 Midlife crisis vs chrysalis

19:14 Phase transition of society

21:31 Pattern recognition, memory, and wisdom

24:40 Teaching wisdom to younger generations

27:45 Family patterns, shadows, and generational conditioning

34:43 “Our deepest fear” and women’s empowerment

38:59 Cellular memory of witch burning

41:38 Sisterhood, bravery, and supporting each other

43:56 Re-inspiring midlife and visibility as women age

47:00 Presence, faith, and receiving life’s lessons

49:16 Chapter three as a crescendo

50:52 Midlife as a call to the soul

52:04 Wisdom bumper sticker

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#midlifeawakening #midlifecrisis #midlifewomen #agingwell #spiritualgrowth #womenswisdom #reinvention #mariannewilliamson #midlifetransformation #menopausejourney #mindfulnesspractice #lifepurpose #selfreinvention #modernelder #innerwisdom

Dan Buettner on Aging Smarter: The Real Secrets of Longevity Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

What if living to 100 is more realistic than you think?

Longevity expert Dan Buettner breaks down the real habits behind the world’s longest-living people, from food and movement to purpose, community, and stress relief. He explains why Americans age faster, what actually adds years to your life, and how simple daily choices can transform your future health.

A simple, science-backed path to your best chapter yet. Watch now.

Timestamps:

01:25 What society gets wrong about aging

04:05 Dan’s early life and big expeditions

06:33 Why anti-aging shortcuts don’t work

09:10 Proven habits for longevity

15:42 The alcohol debate and new research

18:56 Benefits of drinking moderately

21:29 Why 65 isn’t “old” anymore

25:02 What the US gets wrong about health

28:51 Processed food, inactivity, and social media

30:52 Blue Zones work in US cities

35:13 What’s happening in original Blue Zones

37:40 New insights for Dan’s next book

39:59 Dan’s divorce and midlife chrysalis

42:31 How Blue Zones became a concept

46:17 What Dan would regret not doing

48:45 Dan’s experience at MEA

51:07 Netflix series and frozen meals success

51:58 Wisdom bumper-sticker

55:19 The role of humility and aging

55:59 The need for a rite of passage at 50

56:19 Why midlife can be the best stage of life

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#BlueZones #Longevity #DanBuettner #HealthyAging #LiveLonger #HealthSpan #MidlifeChrysalis #AgingWell #LongevitySecrets #LiveTo100 #HealthyLiving #PurposefulLiving #HolisticHealth #LifestyleMedicine #Wellbeing

Growing Whole: Why Midlife May Be the Best Time of Your Life Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

What if midlife is actually the start of your happiest years?

In this episode, Chip Conley and Derek Gehl break down why life often gets better after 50, from rising emotional intelligence and deeper wisdom to feeling more like your true self. Chip explains why “growing whole” matters more than “staying young,” how Carl Jung’s insights can reshape your mindset, and why a pro-aging outlook can change your health, relationships, and purpose.

If you want a fresh, hopeful take on midlife, don’t miss this conversation. Watch now.

Tune in, and take the quiz! 👇 https://chipconley.com/reasons-quiz/"The Midlife Checkup Quiz"

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday

03:12 Beauty of Santa Fe winters

03:15 Introducing Chip’s book

04:32 Growing whole as we grow older

06:31 Integrating all parts of ourselves

07:46 Stories about aging from Chip’s parents

09:18 Why Chip founded MEA

11:20 Midlife Checkup Quiz

12:07 Time affluence and midlife

14:29 Creating a pro-aging friend group

16:34 Closing thoughts

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

Which of the 12 Reasons Most or Least Resonates With You?

https://chipconley.com/reasons-quiz/

#MidlifeWisdom #ProAging #AgingWell #MidlifeGrowth #UCurveOfHappiness #EmotionalIntelligence #LifeAfter50 #MidlifeTransformation #HealthyAging #ChipConley #MidlifeMindset #PersonalGrowthJourney #WisdomWednesday #IdentityGrowth #MEACommunity

Don Lemon: Breaking Free, Speaking Truth, and Owning Midlife Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

What happens when Don Lemon gets truly unfiltered?

In this heartfelt, funny, and deeply honest conversation, Don opens up about aging with confidence, coming out in midlife, letting go of old shame, and the freedom that comes from no longer needing anyone’s approval. We talk about identity, love, sex, wisdom, and why his mantra “old people be knowing” captures the real gift of growing older.

Don also reflects on the state of media, the “prime” controversy, and how stepping away from traditional news helped him reclaim his voice and his joy. If you’re ready for truth, evolution, and a warm reminder that life after 50 can get better, tune in. Watch now.

Timestamps:

00:00 Chip’s episode opening

00:57 Don on aging and happiness

02:34 Don’s childhood and early years

03:38 Politics, Reagan, and identity

06:52 Dating while closeted

09:52 College years and social life

12:17 First gay bar experiences

16:20 Don’s coming-out story

19:47 Coming out publically in a book

21:41 Midlife chrysalis and confidence

25:10 What gets better with age

28:28 The “prime” controversy explained

34:07 State of media and independence

36:30 Politics, division, and future outlook

37:26 Don on never retiring

38:49 Possible regret 10 years from now

40:24 Don’s wisdom bumper sticker

43:543 Judy Garland and music icons

46:50 Chip’s reflections

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

Keywords:

#DonLemon #midlife #agingwell #lifeafter50 #midlifefreedom #midliferenaissance #comingoutstory #lgbtqstories #authenticitymatters #selfacceptance #personaltransformation #midlifewisdom #findingyourvoice #reinventyourlife #unfilteredconversation

Meghan Jarvis on Grief, Growth, and Finding Purpose in Midlife Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

Grief isn’t just an emotion, it’s energy that lives in the body until we face it.

I sit down with Meghan Jarvis, a trauma therapist and grief mentor who’s helped countless people find their way through loss. Meghan shares her own story of heartbreak, how grief and trauma intertwine, and the six simple practices she teaches to move that heavy energy through the body and back toward healing. We also talk about midlife transitions, why so many of us feel stuck, and how community can bring us back to life.

👉 Tune in for a real, hopeful conversation about what it truly means to grieve, heal, and grow.

Timestamps:

00:00 Childhood loss that led her to grief work

02:13 Uncovering long-buried trauma

06:02 What trauma teaches about safety and fear

09:29 Grief as energy moving through the body

11:07 How stored grief affects physical health

13:02 Losing her parents and lessons learned

17:29 Checking into treatment and finding purpose

19:32 The vagus nerve and how the body heals

22:19 Midlife transitions and hidden grief

24:18 Helping clients rewrite their stories

26:12 The six pillars of the Grief Mentor Method

31:11 Mindfulness, nourishment, and rituals for healing

39:13 Why midlife brings old losses back

42:21 Signs of unresolved grief

43:55 Finding meaning and joy after healing

47:43 MEA as a space for renewal

51:44 Meghan’s wisdom bumper sticker

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#MidlifeHealing #GriefJourney #EmotionalHealing #MeghanJarvis #LifeTransitions #MidlifeGrowth #HealingAfterLoss #MindBodyConnection #GriefSupport #TraumaRecovery #FindingPurpose #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeAwakening #MentalHealthAwareness #ChipConley

Why Retirement Is Failing Us And What to Do Instead Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

What if everything you’ve believed about aging and retirement is wrong?

In this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Chip and Derek dive into the surprising truth about aging. Why retirement often makes us less healthy, how community and purpose keep us alive longer, and why our “crystallized intelligence” actually gets stronger well into our 60s and 70s. They explore the real ingredients of a meaningful midlife, the magic of third-vault conversations, and the stories of people who’ve traded old scripts for more inspired lives.

If you’re ready to feel hopeful, energized, and a little more excited about the years ahead, watch the full episode.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:34 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays

01:43 The origins of age 65 retirement

02:59 How retirement affects lifespan

04:08 Fluid intelligence vs crystallized intelligence

06:01 What people need the most after 50

08:27 Chip’s own “mini retirement”

10:07 Rethinking the three-stage life

11:58 The litigator who became a baker

14:11 Keeping your options open

16:15 Changing habits by changing habitat

17:16 The concept of the third vault

20:12 Deeper conversations with aging

20:56 Episode wrap-up and closing remarks

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#midlifechrysalis #agingwell #longevitymindset #midlifetransformation #purposeafter50 #crystallizedintelligence #rethinkingretirement #healthyaging #midlifewisdom #lifepurpose #aginggracefully #lifestages #livingto100 #midlifecommunity #wisdomwednesdays

Why Introverts Hold Hidden Strength | Susan Cain on Quiet Power Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Ever wonder if slowing down might actually wake you up? In this episode, I sit down with Susan Cain, the bestselling author of Quiet and Bittersweet, to talk about the hidden strengths of introverts, the surprising beauty in melancholy, and why midlife can be the most creative and peaceful chapter of your life. We dig into what it really means to live with depth, authenticity, and joy, without the noise.

✨ Hit play and join us for a quiet conversation that might just change how you see yourself.

Timestamps:

00:18 The Quiet Life Community

01:23 Susan’s early career as a corporate lawyer

02:18 Realizing law wasn’t her path

03:25 The success of Quiet and its life-changing impact

06:09 Defining introversion and extroversion

09:43 Chip’s story: from introvert to social alchemist

11:35 Why people grow more introverted with age

13:24 Reputational confusion and being open

17:56 What is “Worktrovert”

20:17 Deeper happiness through the bittersweetness

23:05 Daily practices to balance beauty and melancholy

25:44 The power of remembering mortality

27:45 Chip’s near-death experience and slowing down

30:31 Slowing life down in midlife and releasing ambition

33:01 Leaving law and embracing a quiet, creative life

38:31 How awareness of death deepens appreciation for life

40:53 What Susan’s working on now

43:07 Liz Gilbert’s TED Talk and creative pressure

45:50 Susan’s advice for aspiring writers

49:41 Wisdom bumper sticker

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#SusanCain #ChipConley #MidlifeChrysalis #QuietLife #Introversion #Bittersweet #SelfDiscovery #MidlifeTransformation #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #QuietPower #LifeTransitions #MindfulLiving #AuthenticLife #CreativityAndCalm

From Goat Farm to Global Brand: Midlife Lessons with Brent & Josh Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

What happens when two New York City professionals lose their jobs, move to a tiny rural town, and accidentally build one of America’s most beloved skincare brands?

Brent and Josh of Beekman 1802 reveal how kindness, community, and old-fashioned wisdom became the backbone of their business and their midlife reinvention. They share how loving your neighbor can be a real strategy, why contentment matters more than achievement, the 51% rule that keeps their partnership strong, and how better aging starts with simple kindness to yourself and others, all delivered with warmth, wisdom, and humor.

👉 If you’re ready for a kinder, clearer way to think about midlife, just press play.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:59 Meet Brent & Josh of Beekman 1802

02:47 How Brent & Josh met

04:18 Brent’s upbringing & coming out journey

06:01 Becoming goat farmers & starting Beekman 1802

07:19 How the brand got its name

09:09 Turning a recession into a business opportunity

10:35 Growing from homemade soap to a global brand

12:54 The idea behind Goat Wisdom book

16:33 Their favorite principles