I've been asked a zillion times to do an episode about me and to answer many of the same questions I ask guests. Listeners (now viewers, too) are curious about who I am, how I started a podcast, the books I've written, the experience of losing a brother to suicide, and life as an 80-year-old. It's taken me three years to get to this solo episode, not because I underestimated the value, but because of all the stellar guests I've been privileged to interview. It is so exciting to share the stories of older women who are out there living what some call the Third Act with enthusiasm, joie de vivre, and wisdom.

I'd love you to send me a comment on janeleder.net. What questions remain about me and my journey? It's been quite a ride!

Takeaways

Jane started podcasting at 77, driven by curiosity.

She learned the technical aspects of podcasting through trial and error.

Aging can be vibrant and fulfilling, contrary to stereotypes.

Humor plays a crucial role in coping with aging.

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning at any age.

Writing helped Jane process her grief over her brother's death.

Sibling relationships can be complex and challenging.

Jane's books explore deep emotional themes and personal connections.

Teaching shaped Jane's perspective on storytelling and learning.

Engaging with others through podcasts has been a joy for Jane.

Titles

A Journey into Podcasting at 77

Vitality and Humor in Aging

Sound bites

"I want to be a podcaster."

"It's okay to make mistakes."

"Humor is key to aging."

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of a Podcaster

05:12 Embracing Aging and Vitality

10:52 Reflections on Life and Learning

15:33 The Journey of Writing and Healing

22:36 A Life of Teaching and Storytelling

janeleder.net

https://youtube.com@olderwomenandfriends

When I think about moving from a home that my husband and I have shared for 32 years, I break out in a cold sweat. There's the kitchen with its overabundance of antique bowls and gadgets, my great-grandmother's china, my office with decades worth of my books, research materials, and file folders. And then there's my husband's studio with . . . Well, don't get me started. So this is where Jeannine Bryant can help save the day. She's a senior move manager who owns her own company and knows all about helping seniors or their sons and daughters. Well, let's face it, we're talking daughters. She helps find that place between too much and too little, and how we can keep the memories and not the stuff.

Takeaways

Moving can be an emotional experience, especially after many years in one home.

Women often take on the responsibility of organizing family belongings.

Right-sizing is a more positive approach than downsizing.

It's never too late to start decluttering and organizing.

Discussing death and planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones.

Family experiences can motivate proactive planning for one's own belongings.

Start decluttering with easy items to build momentum.

Keepsakes should be displayed or used to bring joy.

Gifting items to loved ones can create meaningful memories.

Resources like senior move managers can provide valuable assistance.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Moving

02:57 The Role of Women in Family Organization

05:45 Understanding Right-Sizing vs. Downsizing

08:43 The Importance of Early Planning

11:38 Confronting the Topic of Death

14:41 The Value of Proactive Planning

17:36 Practical Steps to Declutter

20:40 Making Decisions on Keepsakes

23:42 Gifting and Sharing Memories

26:43 Planning for a Move

29:47 Connecting with Seniors

32:53 Resources for Moving and Decluttering

https://easyrightsizing.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNA775OFJQif29NHbfuovw

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanninebryant/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jeannine+bryant&crid=13KK34II4WFGS&sprefix=Jeannine+Bry%2Caps%2C91&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_12_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker

Kelly Jackson, 73, and Sally, 75, are sisters who have lived together without husbands or children for almost 20 years. They reconnected as live-in caregivers for their mother, and during the four years they cared for her, they turned to blogging and short videos to keep their spirits up. They used the handle, "Midlife Gal's Gone Gray," and their mission was to ensure that women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond never stop laughing. After a decade living in Honolulu, the sisters are back on the mainland, intending to become senior social media influencers.

With over 300,000 viewers on their platforms and thousands of likes, shares, and subscribers, I'm betting on their success.

Chapters

00:25 Introduction and First Impressions

00:48 Sisters Reunited: A Journey Begins

10:25 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics

17:16 Caring for Mom: A New Chapter

23:06 Finding Laughter in Life's Challenges

28:40 Political Humor and Social Media Aspirations

30:26 Words of Wisdom for Older Women

Takeaways

The sisters had a non-traditional upbringing with a mother who was not very maternal.

They decided to care for their mother when they realized she needed help.

Laughter and humor are essential for coping with life's challenges.

Moving to Hawaii was a significant turning point in their lives.

They found creative outlets to express themselves and cope with caregiving.

The importance of sibling relationships and shared experiences is highlighted.

Aging can be navigated with humor and creativity.

They reflect on their childhood memories and how they shaped their lives.

The sisters emphasize the importance of finding joy in everyday life.

Wisdom gained from experiences can be shared with others, especially older women.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts

https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts

https://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifegalsgonegray

https://www.instagram.com/sallyjackson5848/?hl=en

I'm now up on YouTube.

You can watch this episode at https://youtu.be/72wGKcF6m4U