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The Midlife Chrysalis

The Midlife Chrysalis

By: Chip Conley
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About this listen

 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.Chip Conley Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Feeling Lost? Use Inner Tracking to Find Your Path| Lee Johnson

    Feeling Lost? Use Inner Tracking to Find Your Path| Lee Johnson
    Apr 10 2026
    Midlife can feel confusing, off track, or quietly unsettled, and you’re not the only one feeling it. In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Lee Johnson, a mindfulness guide and teacher, shares his journey from ranch life to guiding others through mindfulness and “inner tracking,” offering a grounded and deeply human perspective on finding your way without a clear plan. Here’s what you’ll take away:• Why feeling lost in midlife is often a turning point, not a problem• What inner tracking is and how it helps you make aligned decisions• How to trust your path even when nothing feels certain• Why disconnection is so common and how to reconnect with yourself• A simple awareness practice you can use right away If midlife has you questioning your direction, this conversation will bring clarity and calm.Watch now and start finding your way back. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and welcome00:22 Lee Johnson’s origin story01:10 Early influences and spiritual mentors02:56 Energetic imprint and childhood experiences04:00 Alaska years and connection to nature05:30 Holistic health and yoga ashram journey07:09 Life at Kripalu and spiritual growth08:30 Native American teachings and Vipassana09:57 Regenerative agriculture and land philosophy12:09 Leaving the ranch and searching for purpose14:24 Joining the ranch and new beginnings17:17 Transition to teaching and inner work19:53 Self-doubt and stepping into leadership21:24 Discovering guided meditation and teaching22:53 Inner tracking explained27:37 Intuition and life path insights30:23 “I don’t know where I’m going…”31:33 Observations on midlife transformation35:28 Disconnection and modern life38:55 Guided inner tracking exercise44:03 Workshops and teaching approach47:29 Collaboration with partner Melanie48:26 Life advice and awareness practice52:57 Turning wounds into wisdom Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/ #MidlifeChrysalis #MidlifeTransformation #FindYourPurpose #LifeTransitions #InnerWork #MindfulnessPractice #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeJourney #SelfDiscovery #EmotionalWellbeing #LifeDirection #SpiritualGrowth #ReconnectWithYourself #InnerPeace #PurposeInMidlife
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Stuck Between Aging Parents and Grown Kids in Midlife?

    Stuck Between Aging Parents and Grown Kids in Midlife?
    Apr 8 2026

    You’re taking care of your parents. You’re supporting your kids. But who’s taking care of you?


    In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, Derek Gehl sits down with Chip Conley to unpack the reality of the sandwich generation and why midlife can feel more overwhelming than ever.


    Chip shares key insights on:

    • The real emotional cost of caregiving

    • Why this stage of life feels heavier today

    • How to build a support system that actually helps

    • Why protecting time for yourself is essential


    A clear, honest conversation for anyone feeling stretched thin in midlife.


    👉 Watch the full episode and subscribe for more real conversations like this.


    Timestamps:

    00:20 The sandwich generation

    01:24 Chip’s caregiving experience

    02:49 Importance of support system

    04:25 Emotional toll of caregiving

    07:31 Having kids later in life

    09:27 Adult kids moving back home

    10:27 Longevity and caregiving challenges

    12:56 Health span vs. lifespan

    15:12 Independence and interdependence

    16:50 Longevity manifesto explained

    18:06 Science vs art of longevity

    19:03 Blue Zones lifestyle insight

    20:18 Caregiver workshop challenge


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


    #SandwichGeneration #MidlifeStruggles #Caregiving #AgingParents #MidlifeCrisis #CaregiverLife #EmotionalBurnout #FamilyCare #Longevity #Healthspan #MidlifeSupport #PersonalGrowth #StressManagement #LifeTransitions #ChipConley
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    19 mins
  • Leading in Chaos: How to Stay Grounded Under Pressure | Amy Elizabeth Fox

    Leading in Chaos: How to Stay Grounded Under Pressure | Amy Elizabeth Fox
    Apr 6 2026

    What if the chaos in your life isn’t the problem… but the turning point?


    In this episode, Amy Elizabeth Fox, leadership expert and co-founder of Mobius, explains why today’s pressure, uncertainty, and stress are actually pushing us to grow in a deeper way. Through her work with top executives and her own life story, she shows what it really takes to lead and stay grounded when everything feels unstable.


    Here’s what you’ll learn:

    • Why people fall back into old patterns under stress
    • How your past shapes the way you lead and live today
    • Why success in midlife can feel empty and how to change that
    • What it really means to lead in chaos
    • Why healing and self-awareness matter more than ever


    This is not just about leadership. It’s about understanding yourself on a deeper level.


    👉 Watch now if you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for something more.


    Timestamps:

    2:43 What is vertical development

    4:10 Personal and professional growth merge

    5:29 Midlife leadership struggles

    8:24 Early life challenges and illness

    10:37 Genetic disease and urgency

    11:35 Spiritual and environmental work

    13:21 Leadership and spirituality connection

    15:35 Corporate transformation and culture

    19:29 Freedom after adversity

    21:08 Feminine leadership in business

    22:55 Leading in chaos introduction

    24:40 Spiritual path and teachers

    27:03 Spirituality in action

    28:42 Chaos and leadership today

    31:51 Key principles for leading in chaos

    35:00 Corporate reality and hope

    37:38 Midlife transformation insights

    40:25 What improves with age

    41:59 Freedom in midlife

    46:28 From receiving to giving

    47:24 Final wisdom and life philosophy


    ABOUT AMY ELIZABETH FOX:

    Bio: Amy Elizabeth Fox is the co-founder and CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership, a global transformational leadership firm. For over twenty years, she has advised senior leaders in eminent professional services firms and Fortune 500 companies on leadership and culture change. In 2026, she co-authored Leading in Chaos with Nicholas Janni and is widely regarded as an expert in vertical development and trauma-informed work in organizations.

    • Read the Full Bio


    Links:

    Leading in Chaos Book Website: https://leadinginchaosbook.com/

    Mobius Website: http://www.mobiusleadership.com/

    Amy’s Website: http://www.amyelizabethfox.com/


    ABOUT LEADING IN CHAOS

    Book Overview: Nicholas Janni and Amy Elizabeth Fox’s forthcoming book, Leading in Chaos, argues that in an era of polycrisis and sustained uncertainty, leadership requires next practice — a fundamentally different inner operating system grounded in deeper human intelligence. It reframes leadership as an embodied, developmental practice, calling leaders to act with coherence, presence, and integrity amid ongoing disruption. Because, in their words, “chaos is the new black.”


    Social media posts:

    • LinkedIn post
    • Instagram
    • Facebook

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


    #Leadership #LeadingInChaos #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #MidlifeGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #StressManagement #InnerWork #HighPerformance #MindsetShift #ExecutiveLeadership #PsychologyOfSuccess #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment
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    56 mins
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