Can childhood trauma become a catalyst for transformation? In this deeply moving episode, Merry and Cathy sit down with Wendy B. Correa, author of My Pretty Baby, to explore the powerful connection between adversity and awakening. Wendy opens up about her journey through the stormy seas of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — revealing an ACE score of seven out of ten — and how she turned her pain into purpose.

Through honest reflection and hard-won wisdom, Wendy shares how meditation, sobriety, and spirituality became her anchors, helping her reclaim a life of peace and meaning. She also reflects on the impact of intergenerational trauma and how encounters with cultural icons like Joni Mitchell, Ringo Starr and Hunter S. Thompson influenced her healing path.

This episode is a raw yet uplifting exploration of resilience, self-worth, and the courage to rewrite your story — no matter where it begins.

More About Wendy
Wendy B. Correa is a writer, yogi, hiker, as well as a licensed massage therapist. She has worked in the film, television, multimedia, and music industries in Los Angeles and later as a radio DJ in Aspen, Colorado. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and theater arts and has contributed articles to Mothering magazine.

A wife and mother, she resides in Denver, Colorado, and loves traveling to magical destinations with her family. My Pretty Baby is her debut book. For more information, visit www.wendybcorrea.com

Connect with Wendy
Website: https://www.wendybcorrea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.correa.946
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendybcorrea/

What makes relationships so vital as we age? Join Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington for an intimate chat about the evolving dynamics of relationships in later years. We dive into why these connections are more than just social—they're lifelines that boost health, resilience, and life satisfaction. Drawing insights from the Harvard study of adult development, we uncover how nurturing warm relationships can stave off cognitive decline and combat loneliness.

We share personal stories—like Cathy's walking group and Merry's writing circle—that illustrate the power of community. Together, we explore practical ways to foster connections, from rekindling old friendships to embracing new, intergenerational bonds. Plus, we delve into the nuances of romance later in life, offering tips on setting expectations and embracing vulnerability.

Join us as we champion creativity, courage, and intentionality in relationships. Subscribe to Late Boomers and let's enrich our lives together!

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a successful business? How do you navigate the twists and turns of reinvention? Join Merry Elkins, alongside Cathy Worthington, as we dive into the inspiring journey of Suzy Prudden, the powerhouse behind Itty Bitty Publishing Company. From her early days as a fitness pioneer in NYC to becoming a publishing mogul, Suzy shares her fearless approach to entrepreneurship. Discover how she collaborated with self-help icon Louise Hay and made a splash on Oprah's stage. Learn the secrets behind Itty Bitty's success and the art of turning big ideas into bite-sized wisdom. Suzy's story is a masterclass in perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities. Tune in to be inspired to embrace your own potential and craft a vibrant third act. Don’t miss this episode packed with wisdom and motivation!

Connect with Suzy
Website: https://www.ittybittypublishing.com/

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

Have you ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes of Broadway and the opera? Join us as we dive into the mesmerizing world of performers with the insightful Susan Dormady Eisenberg!

Susan, an acclaimed author, takes us on a journey through her novels, The Voice I Just Heard and One More Seat at the Roundtable, which vividly depict the backstage life of performers. Discover how her childhood love for Broadway and rock music fueled her storytelling passion.

We explore the evolution of the performing arts, the rise of jukebox musicals, and the gritty yet rewarding path of pursuing a career in the arts. Plus, Susan shares personal tales, and emphasizes the unmatched magic of live theater.

Don't miss this inspiring episode!

Susan Dormady Eisenberg's Bio:

Susan Dormady Eisenberg is the author of two backstage novels, One More Seat at the Round Table, A Novel of Camelot, published by Atmosphere Press in April 2023, and The Voice I Just Heard, a newly revised edition that was published by Atmosphere Press on September 16. VOICE is the story of an aspiring soprano whose world is shattered when her brother dies in Vietnam.

Susan’s passion for the performing arts is rooted in her first career. After earning a Humanities degree from Michigan State University, she was a publicist for the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut, Syracuse Stage, and The Joffrey Ballet in New York.

After moving to Washington, D.C., she became a freelance promotional writer, creating publications for banks, hospitals, and schools for ten years. As an arts journalist, Susan contributed articles to the Hartford Courant, the Albany Times Union, Classical Singer Magazine, Opera News, and Huffington Post. She’s now finishing a novel about American icon, Annie Oakley, the female star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

Susan lives in Baltimore with her husband Barry, a health care executive. Their hobby is Broadway and they frequently drive to New York for the day to see a show.

Connect with Susan:

Website: www.susandeisenberg.com

Facebook: Susan Dormady Eisenberg

Instagram: @susandeisenberg

X: @SusanDEisenberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-dormady-eisenberg-51053025/

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

Ever wonder how a conference can ignite a spark of transformation? In Episode 258 of Late Boomers, Cathy and Merry dive into our exhilarating experience at the eWomen Network ICON Conference in Dallas, Texas. This wasn't just any event—it was a powerhouse of inspiration and innovation, thanks to the visionary efforts of Sandra and Kim Yancey, and a jaw-dropping AI presentation by Brianna Day.

Join us as we unpack the game-changing strategies we discovered, including the importance of visibility, connection, and content pillars. Discover how AI can be your best ally in streamlining tasks and boosting your business focus. Plus, hear about the incredible community spirit and the unforgettable hospitality we experienced, like my personal ride to Asian Mint!

Tune in to hear how these insights are shaping our podcast journey and why embracing reinvention is key at any life stage. Catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or ewnpodcastnetwork.com. Let’s grow together!

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

How can self-doubt become a catalyst for growth instead of a roadblock? On this episode of Late Boomers, Merry and Cathy sit down with Amy L. Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster. Amy opens up about her shift from a high-pressure career to the joy of writing, sharing practical wisdom on managing doubt, facing rejection, and navigating the publishing world. She reveals how small, intentional changes can unlock new possibilities and why embracing vulnerability is essential for personal growth. Tune in to discover how to “change the channel” on self-criticism and lean into your creative passions with courage

Amy L. Bernstein's Bio:
Amy L. Bernstein is the author, most recently, of Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, shortlisted for the Eric Hoffer Grand Prize. Amy's mystery-thriller, The Potrero Complex, was a 2020 Petrichor Prize Finalist and her paranormal mystery, The Nighthawkers earned a silver medal from BookFest in 2022. Her fifth novel, Seed, will be published by Running Wild Press in 2027. Amy teaches writing and creativity workshops and brings an empowering message to writers and multi-media artists around the world. Her weekly Substack, Doubt Monster, explores the realities of living a creative life.

Special Offer:
Take this unique survey, the Doubt Decoder, to discover the extent to which doubt affects your everyday life, from family to finances. Your score might surprise you! https://submit.jotform.com/250468635432156

Connect with Amy:
Website: https://amywrites.live

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amylbernstein00author

Facebook: https://facebook.com/AmyLBernsteinAuthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amylbernstein

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amylbernstein
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@amylbernstein

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

Discover the powerful connection between the health of our soil and our own well-being as Merry and Cathy sit down with Louis De Jaeger, a visionary soil preservationist and environmental designer. Inspired by his grandmothers, Louis has dedicated his life to regenerative agriculture and designing systems that heal the planet. From how our food choices impact our health to the critical role trees play in fighting climate change, this conversation will inspire you to see the ground beneath your feet in a whole new way. Thank you and have a terrific holiday!

Louis De Jaeger's Bio:
Louis De Jaeger is a visionary on a mission to impact our world profoundly. Three primary objectives guide his life's purpose: regenerate, inspire, and celebrate. He endeavors to rejuvenate vast expanses of land, ignite inspiration in countless individuals, and infuse every endeavor with a joyful spirit and gratefulness. He firmly believes that transitions should be as enjoyable as they are meaningful. A prolific author, Louis has penned two enlightening books that explore the future of agriculture & food and the wonders of food forests. He is a driving force behind various impactful campaigns, exemplifying his commitment to creating positive change. He founded and is CEO of Commensalist, a distinguished landscape architecture firm. Through Commensalist, Louis and his team embark on awe-inspiring journeys, transforming ambitious projects spanning an impressive 1.500 hectares across diverse global locations. Beyond the written word and architectural innovations, Louis is an award-winning filmmaker dedicated to raising awareness about sustainability and our planet's future. His latest documentary, "Eat More Trees," introduces the world to the enchanting realm of the food tree. Louis De Jaeger is resolute and unwavering in all his endeavors. He is driven by a passion for advocating for sustainability and bringing its magic to life. Through his diverse talents and indomitable spirit, he invites us all to join him on this extraordinary journey of regeneration, inspiration, and pure enjoyment as an international keynote speaker.

Connect with Louis:
Book: SOS: Save Our Soils - https://www.amazon.com/SOS-regenerative-farming-health-planet/dp/B0FF3R1NKK

Website: www.louisdj.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commensalistfutureprooflan1860

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodforestinstitute

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louis.de.jaeger

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@louis.dejaeger

X: https://x.com/LouCommensalist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisdejaeger/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@louis.de.jaeger

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

What happens when a professional dog trainer becomes a beloved children's book author? Join Merry and Cathy as they chat with Maryanne Wood, who made the leap from training basset hounds to penning tales inspired by them. Discover how Maryanne's journey with Randall and Hunter, her sister's dogs, led to heartwarming stories about resilience and adaptability. We dive into themes of change, overcoming challenges, and the power of creativity, no matter your age. Tune in to be inspired to follow your passions and embrace new adventures!

Maryanne Wood's Bio:
Former professional dog trainer turned author. I was inspired to write a series of children's books about my basset hounds, Randall and Hunter to encourage young children to flow with the changes that live brings us all. Resilience and adaptability are important life skills. Everyday Randall and Hunter taught me how to move through life with more grace.

I was most certainly a late bloomer to the word of becoming a published author. I'm 66 years of age and I strongly believe it is never too late to beginning something new, follow your bliss and live life to the fullest. When I'm not writing, I enjoy walks in the woods with my latest canine companion Willow. the chocolate lab.

Connect with Maryanne:
Website: https://www.maryannewood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572250213133

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.