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:

The Soul of Money: Why Life Gets Better After 50 | Lynne Twist & Sara Vetter Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Can your greatest purpose begin after 50?

In this powerful conversation, Chip Conley sits down with Lynne Twist, bestselling author of The Soul of Money, and her longtime collaborator Sara Vetter to explore purpose, money, mentorship, and the surprising opportunities that come with midlife.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why midlife can be the start of your most meaningful chapter.
How a life-changing trip to the Amazon transformed their paths.
The mindset shift that can completely change your relationship with money.
Why great partnerships are built on trust, honesty, and shared purpose.
How joy and gratitude can shape a richer, more fulfilling life.

Enjoyed this conversation? Like, subscribe, and share it with a friend.

Then tell us in the comments: Has midlife changed your perspective on purpose, money, or what truly matters?

Timestamps:

(05:12) How Lynn and Sara Became Partners

(12:02) Sara's Life-Changing Experience at 50

(15:02) The Secret to a Lasting Partnership

(18:08) Navigating Conflict with Honesty

(20:45) Why the Pachamama Alliance Matters

(27:11) Ayahuasca, Healing, and the Amazon

(31:52) Why Midlife Can Change Your Life

(37:52) Lynn's Calling at Age 50

(43:45) The Soul of Money Explained

(48:07) How to Transform Your Money Mindset

(53:16) Life Lessons to Live By

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

#LynneTwist #SaraVetter #ChipConley #Midlife #Purpose #TheSoulOfMoney #MoneyMindset #PersonalGrowth #LifeAfter50 #MeaningfulLife #MidlifeTransformation #SelfDiscovery #ConsciousLiving #AgingWell #PachamamaAlliance

How Wise People Handle Uncertainty Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Uncertainty is everywhere, from economic shifts and AI disruption to health challenges and major life transitions. The question isn't how to eliminate uncertainty, but how to navigate it with confidence.

In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Chip Conley and Derek Gehl explore practical ways to stay grounded when life feels unpredictable. Drawing from his experiences as an entrepreneur and his ongoing cancer journey, Chip shares the tools that have helped him face uncertainty with greater resilience, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why uncertainty is a normal part of life
The connection between anxiety, uncertainty, and powerlessness
How to focus on what you can control
Why intuition and wisdom matter most during difficult times
A simple exercise for reducing stress and making better decisions

Listen now, and if you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:28) How to Navigate Uncertainty

(04:14) Reducing Uncertainty Through Questions

(06:42) Powerlessness and Agency

(09:24) Lessons from Business Crises

(11:18) Cancer, Denial, and Taking Action

(13:22) Living in the Present Moment

(14:32) Letting Go of Control

(17:41) Key Lessons About Uncertainty

(19:33) The Serenity Prayer and Wisdom

(20:27) Building Confidence in Decisions

(21:40) The Anxiety Balance Sheet Exercise

(23:10) Worst Case vs Best Case Thinking

(24:02) Final Thoughts

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

#Uncertainty #Anxiety #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #WisdomWednesday #ChipConley #Resilience #SelfImprovement #LifeLessons #Mindset #EmotionalIntelligence #DecisionMaking #StressManagement #PersonalDevelopment #Midlife

The Skills That Will Matter Most in the AI Era | Chris Shipley & Scott Barry Kaufman Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

AI is changing the way we work, but the skills that matter most are still deeply human.

In this episode of The Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley is joined by Chris Shipley, technology visionary and leadership expert, and Scott Barry Kaufman, psychologist and bestselling author, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, purpose, and human potential in the age of AI.

Together, they explore why the future belongs to leaders who combine technology with wisdom, curiosity, and genuine human connection.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why human skills will become even more valuable as AI evolves
How leaders can reduce fear and build trust during times of change
Why wisdom may be your greatest advantage in the future
How different generations can learn from each other
Why having a clear vision for your future self can change your life

Whether you're leading a team, planning your next career move, or simply wondering what the future of work will look like, this conversation offers practical ideas and a hopeful perspective.

Watch now and discover why the future belongs to leaders who never stop growing.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:42) Introducing Chris Shipley & Scott Barry Kaufman

(02:07) Leading For Tomorrow

(05:53) The Future Of Human-Centered Leadership

(07:11) What Would Maslow Think About AI?

(08:56) Leading Through AI Uncertainty

(11:24) Easing AI Anxiety At Work

(14:13) What Makes People Feel They Matter

(16:50) Best Lessons From The Book

(22:39) Midlife In Silicon Valley

(26:52) Becoming An Integrator In Midlife

(28:33) Bridging The Generational Gap

(35:10) Wisdom For Your Younger Self

(39:27) Three Key Takeaways

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

#AILeadership #HumanLeadership #FutureOfLeadership #FutureOfWork #LeadershipSkills #HumanPotential #ScottBarryKaufman #ChrisShipley #ChipConley #AIAnxiety #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanCenteredLeadership #Wisdom #EmotionalIntelligence #MidlifeChrysalis

The Biggest Myth We Believe About Aging | Dr. Michael Gurven Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

Most of us have been taught that humans used to die young, aging means decline, and longevity is something only modern science can unlock. Anthropologist Dr. Michael Gurven offers a very different perspective.

In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley sits down with Dr. Gurven, author of Seven Decades, to explore what indigenous cultures can teach us about aging, health, purpose, and living well.

Together, they discuss:

Why humans often lived much longer than we assume
What traditional societies reveal about healthy aging and chronic disease
Why elders earned respect through purpose and contribution
How aging and menopause were sometimes seen as sources of freedom and power
Why community, movement, and meaning matter more than we think

This conversation challenged so many modern assumptions about aging, from the myth that humans used to die at 30 to the surprising ways traditional societies viewed elders, menopause, health, and purpose later in life.

Timestamps:

(03:32) Introduction to Seven Decades book

(05:34) Why Humans Were Meant to Live Longer

(08:30) Longevity Myths and Historical Lifespans

(10:22) The Role of Elders in Human Evolution

(12:38) Geronticide and Elder Care Traditions

(15:17) Lessons from Indigenous Communities

(17:58) What Modern Society Can Learn About Health

(22:35) Why Retirement Is Unnatural

(24:59) Midlife, Identity, and the U Curve

(29:39) Workaholism and Personal Reflections

(32:28) Midlife Needs Rituals and Rites of Passage

(35:32) Menopause, Aging, and New Life Stages

(38:32) Blue Zones and Indigenous Longevity

(44:13) Wisdom Learned Through Midlife

(48:24)Parenting, Identity, and Letting Go

(50:30) Final Thoughts and Book Recommendation

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

#Longevity #HealthyAging #HumanLongevity #Anthropology #IndigenousWisdom #AgingWell #MidlifeChrysalis #HealthyLifestyle #BlueZones #AncientHumans #HumanEvolution #AgingMyths #LongevitySecrets #PurposeAndAging #ModernAging

Stop Trying to Fit In: The Hidden Gift of Aging Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

What if one of the greatest gifts of aging is finally caring less about fitting in?

In this Wisdom Wednesday conversation, Chip Conley and Derek Gehl explore why growing older isn't just about gaining wisdom, but about gaining the freedom to become more fully yourself.

Chip shares why authenticity becomes more important than achievement, how we shift from building a resume to building a legacy, and why embracing your quirks may be one of the healthiest forms of personal growth.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why people-pleasing becomes less important with age
The difference between being admired for what you do and who you are
How to identify the qualities you want to be remembered for
Why "getting weird" may actually be a sign of growth

If you're ready to stop living by convention and start living more authentically, this conversation is for you.

Watch now and discover what it means to become delightfully unhinged.

Timestamps:

(00:48) Becoming Delightfully Unhinged

(02:20) Why We Love Eccentric Older People

(04:18) Admiration Addiction and Authentic Success

(06:30) Growing Older and Growing Whole

(08:35) Admired for What You Do vs Who You Are

(12:32) Curating Your Eulogy

(15:30) Embracing Your Idiosyncrasies

(17:00) Authenticity and Code Switching

(17:39) How Different Cultures Define Weird

(19:06) Michelle Obama and Authentic Choices

(20:00) Jim Flaherty and Aging with Originality

(21:16) Creativity and Delightful Weirdness

(21:32) This Week’s Homework: Go Be Weird

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

#Midlife #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #SelfDiscovery #AgingWell #LifeLessons #MidlifeTransformation #PurposeInLife #Wisdom #SelfAcceptance #MentalWellbeing #EmotionalHealth #ChipConley #ModernElder #MidlifeChrysalis

Can Your Mind Change How You Age? | Ellen Langer Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Aging may have less to do with your body than you think.

In this fascinating conversation, Chip Conley talks with Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer, whose groundbreaking research has spent decades challenging what we think we know about aging, health, mindfulness, and human potential.

Drawing on stories from her life and her famous Counterclockwise study, Ellen explains why many of the limits we accept as part of growing older may be more flexible than we realize.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why mindfulness begins with simply noticing
What Ellen's Counterclockwise study revealed about aging
How our beliefs influence memory, health, and performance
Why uncertainty can make life richer, not scarier
How questioning assumptions can open new possibilities at any age

Warm, thought-provoking, and often surprisingly funny, this conversation will leave you looking at aging, and life itself, in a completely different way.

Listen now and find out why Ellen believes we're capable of far more than we think.

Timestamps:

(01:37) What Mindfulness Really Means

(04:48) Why We Live Mindlessly

(08:16) Is Mindlessness More Efficient?

(11:46) Mindfulness and Aging

(13:06) Memory Loss or Something Else?

(17:26) The Counterclockwise Study

(20:00) Testing Mind-Body Unity

(24:02) Can You Turn Back the Clock?

(25:07) Learning New Skills at Any Age

(27:45) Fixed Mindsets About Aging

(28:50) Who Says So?

(32:04) What Gets Better With Age?

(36:03) Getting Comfortable in Your Own Skin

(37:44) Will Ellen Ever Retire?

(39:11) Ellen’s Core Life Lesson

(40:33) The Story Behind Mind-Body Unity

(43:24) Finding Opportunity in Adversity

(45:25) Coming Full Circle to Mindfulness

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

#EllenLanger #Mindfulness #HealthyAging #Longevity #AgingWell #PositiveAging #Psychology #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #HarvardPsychology #SuccessfulAging #CounterclockwiseStudy #MidlifeChrysalis #ChipConley

Why We Spend Years Chasing Things We Don't Really Want | Alain de Botton Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

You followed the rules, built a successful career, and checked the boxes you thought would make you happy. So why does something still feel missing?

In this powerful conversation, bestselling author, philosopher, psychotherapist, and founder of The School of Life, Alain de Botton joins Chip Conley to explore what midlife teaches us about happiness, relationships, purpose, and becoming more fully ourselves.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why status, success, and achievement often fail to deliver lasting fulfillment
How heartbreak, loneliness, and setbacks can become sources of wisdom
Why friendship becomes more valuable as we get older
The hidden reason so many relationships struggle and what better love requires
Why self-knowledge is the foundation of a meaningful life

Filled with insight, honesty, and practical wisdom, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on aging, growth, and what truly matters.

Watch now and discover why midlife may not be a crisis at all. It may be the beginning of your most authentic chapter.

Timestamps:

(02:00) Meet Alain de Botton

(03:25) Philosophy vs Psychotherapy

(05:59) The Origin of The School of Life

(07:42) Knowledge vs Wisdom

(11:33) Status Anxiety Explained

(14:48) Why Midlife Changes Us

(17:12) What Gets Better After 50

(19:10) Friendship and Heartbreak

(21:23) Modern Love and Relationships

(24:52) The Art of Travel

(27:14) Travel as Self-Discovery

(30:15) Places That Feed the Soul

(31:24) Childhood and Curiosity

(33:46) Solving Our Parents' Problems

(34:35) Becoming a Psychotherapist at 50

(37:33) A Wisdom Bumper Sticker

(40:40) Know Yourself

(41:16) Learning New Things Later in Life

(43:17) Final Thoughts

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

#Midlife #PersonalGrowth #SelfKnowledge #Happiness #SuccessMindset #LifePurpose #EmotionalIntelligence #Wisdom #MeaningOfLife #StatusAnxiety #Relationships #Psychology #TheSchoolOfLife #AlainDeBotton #MidlifeCrisis

The Real Problem Isn't Aging. It's Resisting It. Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

What if the biggest challenge of aging isn't getting older, but learning to stop fighting it?

In this Wisdom Wednesday, Chip and Derek explore one of the most important lessons of midlife: learning to work with your body instead of fighting it.

Some of Chip's key insights include:

Why the body often signals what we need long before we pay attention
How slowing down helps us reconnect with our emotions and ourselves
What research reveals about the surprising benefits of aging
Why resisting aging creates more suffering than aging itself
How gratitude can shift our focus from what we've lost to what we still have

This is a thoughtful conversation about aging, acceptance, and finding wisdom in life's changing seasons.

Watch now and discover what your body has been trying to tell you all along.

Timestamps:

(05:41) Welcome Back to Wisdom Wednesday

(07:50) Noticing Physical Changes With Age

(10:22) Learning to Listen to Your Body

(11:00) Aging Beyond Physical Appearance

(13:05) Why Your Body Deserves Care

(15:20) Aging, Appearance, and Self-Worth

(17:46) Botox, Beauty, and Growing Older

(19:23) The Power of Slowing Down

(22:30) Weekly Experiment for Body Gratitude

(24:06) Mindset and Healthy Aging

(24:45) What Gets Better as We Age

(25:19) Final Thoughts and Closing

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

#MidlifeChrysalis #HealthyAging #AgingWell #Midlife #PersonalGrowth #Longevity #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfAwareness #MindsetMatters #ListenToYourBody #MidlifeTransformation #AgingGracefully #WellnessJourney #LifeAfter50 #ChipConley

Science Says Aging Can Make You Happier | Laura Carstensen Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

The science of aging reveals a surprising truth: many people become happier as they get older.

In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley sits down with Laura Carstensen, psychologist, longevity expert, and founder of the Stanford Center on Longevity, to explore the science of aging, happiness, and living longer.

Key insights from this conversation:

Why older adults are often happier than younger people
How aging changes the brain and increases our focus on positive experiences
Why the search for immortality may actually make life less meaningful
How longer lifespans are reshaping work, retirement, and society
Why many of today's social norms were designed for lives much shorter than our own

This conversation offers a fresh perspective on aging, purpose, happiness, and what it means to thrive in a longer life.

Watch now.

Timestamps:

(03:25) Laura’s Life-Changing Accident at 21

(07:01) Recovery and Lessons from Older Women

(12:17) The Theory of Socio-Emotional Selectivity

(18:21) Why Time Gives Life Meaning

(19:30) The Positivity Effect and Aging

(24:53) The Stanford Center on Longevity

(25:58) The New Map of Life

(33:21) Building a Society for Longer Lives

(34:07) Financial Security in a 100-Year Life

(36:57) Rethinking Work and Retirement

(38:07) Health Span vs Life Span

(39:55) Will People Live Much Longer?

(42:22) Laura’s Life Philosophy

(43:36) Don’t Forget to Look at the Sky

(45:19) Final Thoughts on Aging and Longevity

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

#LauraCarstensen #Aging #HealthyAging #Longevity #Happiness #Midlife #PositiveAging #SuccessfulAging #Psychology #PersonalGrowth #LifePurpose #StanfordLongevity #EmotionalWellbeing #OlderAndWiser #MidlifeChrysalis

Why So Many of Us Feel Like We Don't Belong | Pádraig Ó Tuama Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to belong, to yourself, to others, and to a life that's constantly changing?

In this powerful conversation, Chip Conley sits down with Irish poet, theologian, and conflict mediator Padraig O Tuama to explore belonging, grief, identity, faith, and the wisdom that comes with midlife.

You'll learn:

Why belonging isn't always what we think it is
How poetry helps us navigate loss and uncertainty
Padraig's journey through religion, sexuality, and reparative therapy
What turning 40 taught him about mortality and meaning
Why love may be life's most important practice

Filled with beautiful poetry, profound insights, and heartfelt stories, this episode is a reminder that even in life's most difficult seasons, you belong here.

Watch now and let us know: What line or insight stayed with you most?

Timestamps:

(02:30) Poetry as Cultural Memory

(05:19) The Purpose of Poetry

(06:41) When Is a Poem Finished?

(07:33) Becoming a Poet

(10:13) Faith, Sexuality, and Identity

(12:37) Exorcisms and Reparative Therapy

(19:16) Belonging and Conflict

(22:47) How to Be Alone

(25:12) Grief, Breathing, and Death

(30:16) Sleeping in His Mother's Bed

(33:19) Midlife and the Shock of Turning 40

(36:42) Birthday Prayer

(39:32) Midlife Awakening and Change

(41:36) The Facts of Life

(45:11) Love, Death, and Wisdom

(47:02) Desire, Lack, and Meaning

(48:13) Final Reflections and Closing

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

#Belonging #Authenticity #Midlife #Poetry #PadraigOTuama #SelfDiscovery #Identity #PersonalGrowth #Grief #LifeLessons #EmotionalHealing #TruthTelling #Purpose #HumanConnection #Wisdom

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