Life in Transition Podcast

What if midlife is not a crisis, but a chrysalis for transformation?This compelling question drives the conversation in this episode of Life in Transition with guest Chip Conley, best-selling author, hospitality entrepreneur, and founder of the Modern Elder Academy (MEA). Chip, who has navigated his own midlife challenges—including a near-death experience and redefining his identity—shares profound insights on how midlife can be a time of renewal and reinvention, rather than a period of crisis.At age 50, after building a highly successful boutique hotel company, Chip faced a turbulent period where his personal and professional life crumbled. But instead of seeing it as the end, Chip reframed his experience as a period of shedding—letting go of old identities to embrace something new. “I molted my identity, much like a snake sheds its skin,” Conley shares, describing the necessity of outgrowing old roles and labels. This process of molting allowed him to reimagine his life, eventually leading to his role as a mentor to the founders of Airbnb and later the creation of MEA.In this enlightening episode, Chip’s reflections offer listeners practical wisdom on how to navigate the messy middle of midlife and emerge stronger on the other side. Whether you’re going through your own transition or looking to support someone else, these insights serve as a powerful reminder that midlife can be a time of flourishing, not fading.In this episode, we'll talk about:Molting Old Identities: Chip Conley discusses the process of letting go of outdated identities and roles, and how this creates space for personal growth and reinvention in midlife.Navigating Transitions: Chip’s near-death experience offered him a new perspective on life, prompting him to embrace urgency and purpose in every moment.Midlife Wisdom: Chip explains how the Modern Elder Academy helps people cultivate wisdom and reframe their relationship with aging, turning midlife from a crisis into an opportunity for transformation.The Importance of Community: Chip highlights the lack of social infrastructure for people in midlife and how having a support system is crucial for navigating life’s transitions.Relationships and Growth: As we change in midlife, so do our relationships. Chip stresses the importance of empathy and recognizing how personal growth impacts others.Letting Go of Toxic Relationships: In some cases, personal growth may mean leaving behind relationships that no longer serve us, and Chip discusses how to navigate this difficult process.Living with Urgency and Purpose: Inspired by his experiences, Chip advocates for living every day as if it were your last, focusing on what truly matters.Connect with Chip:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInMentioned on the Show:Books:Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder – A book by Chip Conley where he shares his journey at Airbnb and his insights on becoming a modern elder.Learning to Love Midlife – Chip referenced his writing on midlife transitions, particularly focusing on the concept of becoming "nobody" and shedding old identities.Becoming Nobody by Ram Dass – Chip mentioned this book while discussing the shedding of identities in midlife.Modern Elder Academy (MEA):Website: MEAwisdom.com – Chip’s academy focuses on helping people navigate midlife transitions and cultivate wisdom through in-person and online programs.The Anatomy of a Transition: A free resource available on the MEA website that outlines the stages of transition (Ending, Messy Middle, New Beginning).Podcasts and Fireside Chats:Chip mentioned his popular online fireside chats featuring thought leaders like Gloria Steinem and Dr. Mark Hyman, which draw hundreds of attendees for intimate discussions on various topics.Movies and Talks:Chip referenced Ellen Langer, a prominent psychologist, during his conversation about aging and mindfulness, highlighting a fireside chat he had with her.Let's connect! Follow us on social media for a daily dose of inspiration, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeExplore our website for more in-depth information, resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://a.co/d/cJKOpo6The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.

What if the greatest battle you’ve ever fought wasn’t against the world but within yourself? For Andy Evans, a coach, facilitator, and endurance athlete, the transition from a place of deep self-doubt and unworthiness to one of freedom and self-love wasn’t just about overcoming external challenges — it was about transforming the internal narratives that shaped his life. In this eye-opening episode of Life in Transition, Andy takes us through his journey of healing after addiction, prison, and a life-long struggle with the feeling that he was never enough.Andy reflects on his past, including the trauma of taking a life and the internal scars that this left. The narrative of "I am not good enough" was deeply rooted in Andy's mind long before his time in prison, stemming from childhood experiences where love and acceptance seemed conditional. He shares how these feelings only intensified after prison, where guilt and shame compounded his sense of unworthiness, leading him to a breaking point where he contemplated ending his life.But Andy’s story doesn’t end in despair. Through therapy, support from men's groups, and his own relentless determination, Andy began to break free from the toxic mindset that had controlled him for so long. He highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with positive, uplifting communities and shares how disconnecting from environments that no longer serve us is crucial for growth. Andy's message is powerful: no matter how far down you feel you’ve fallen, there is always a way back up, and that journey starts with self-love and the ability to let go of toxic narratives.In this episode, we'll talk about:The lasting impact of childhood narratives and how they shape our adult livesAndy’s difficult transition from prison and addiction to self-compassion and personal growthThe role of community and men's support groups in helping individuals healHow surrendering old identities can free us to live more authenticallyPractical tools for living a life centered around love and acceptanceMentioned on the Show:12 Step Programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) – While not a direct resource link, this could be useful for those looking into recovery programs.CBT Tools – Andy referenced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques like "breathing squares," which could be worth linking to resources on CBT practices for managing anxiety or mental health.Let's connect! Follow us on social media for a daily dose of inspiration, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeExplore our website for more in-depth information, resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://a.co/d/cJKOpo6The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.

Epiphany. The perfect word to describe Tammy Alvarez’ life transition.In this insightful episode of Life in Transition, Tammy joins Art Blanchford to discuss her transformative career journey and the profound impact it’s had on her personal and professional life. From leaving behind a successful corporate career to finding fulfillment in coaching and consulting, Tammy shares her experience of reinventing herself and the joy she now finds in helping others succeed.How does one leave a career they were successful in and was passionate about? And how do you know it’s time to jump? All that and more when you tune in to the latest episode of the pod.In this episode, we'll talk about:Tammy’s most difficult transitionThree things to love about workThe most terrifying thing she has doneApathy in the workplace and the mission to eradicate itTammy’s advice to anyone who’s in the same situation as her beforeHow the shift affected her relationshipsThe experimental mindsetConnect with Tammy Alvarez:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookMentioned on the Show:Escaping the Career Trap: Transform Your Apathy Into Ambition and Never Hate Mondays AgainLet's connect! Follow us on social media for a daily dose of inspiration, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeExplore our website for more in-depth information, resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://a.co/d/cJKOpo6The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.

Having to face a cascade of challenges would daunt even the most determined individuals. Rather than being defined by these trials, Nick Klingensmith has used them as stepping stones to a remarkable transformation. Nick has overcome significant challenges in his life, including being a four-time cancer survivor, type 1 diabetic, recovering alcoholic, and having experienced multiple car accidents. Nick Klingensmith's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, mindset, and personal transformation. In this episode of Life in Transition, he shares his insights into overcoming challenges and, staying motivated. His path to transformation has been fueled by his dedication to physical activity, particularly adventure obstacle racing, which has helped him break through self-imposed limits and rediscover his purpose.His story is an inspiring example of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and thrive. Nick’s message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of intentional action.In this episode, we'll talk about:Adversities that Nick Klingensmith had to overcome at a young ageAdventure racing as a catalyst of self-rediscoveryBenefits of physical activities like racingOvercoming the victim mindsetRecognizing self-doubtWeighing the impact of action and inactionSome actions to take when in adversityConnect with  Nick Klingensmith :WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInTiktokMentioned on the Show:First Book of Nick Klingensmith Through the FireLet's connect! Follow us on social media for a daily dose of inspiration, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeExplore our website for more in-depth information, resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://a.co/d/cJKOpo6The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.