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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
  • From Near Death to Super Age: David Stewart’s Bold Reboot
    Oct 1 2025

    What happens when a world-famous photographer nearly loses everything — and turns it into a movement redefining aging?


    In this powerful conversation, David Stewart shares his journey from shooting Vogue covers and working with Andy Warhol’s circle, to battling a life-threatening autoimmune disease that forced him to rethink everything. Out of crisis came transformation — and the creation of Ageist and Super Age, two platforms challenging stereotypes about aging and proving that purpose, health, and vitality don’t fade with time.


    Watch now to discover how to stay healthier, live longer, and embrace your true greatness.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Catching up: Manhattan, travel, and life during Covid

    01:36 Childhood, school struggles, and proving people wrong

    04:07 Studying engineering, switching to political science, and discovering photography

    06:14 Declaring himself a photographer, early Vogue ad, and move to Paris

    07:01 Life in New York: Andy Warhol’s scene, magazine covers, and big clients

    08:02 Health crisis, autoimmune disease, and a year in hospital

    10:00 Turning point: removing his spleen and changing lifestyle

    11:01 The birth of Ageist: challenging age stereotypes in media and advertising

    14:50 White-light moment with AT&T campaign and marketing blind spots

    18:50 Age dysmorphia, beauty industry challenges, and why older audiences are complex

    21:27 From Ageist to Super Age: growth, readership, and global impact

    25:27 Health transformation and connecting mindset with the body

    30:00 Teaching moments: embodied wisdom, confidence, and breaking limits

    33:55 What Super Age does: informing, inspiring, and offering trusted tools

    35:10 Longevity pillars: sleep, fitness, stress management, and community

    37:31 Why grip strength and VO₂ max matter for longevity

    41:42 Smart habits vs. fads: avoiding “dumb stuff” and focusing on basics

    44:39 Managing stress, hormetic adaptation, and resilience

    45:00 Why men chase longevity more than women

    46:04 Thoughts on Brian Johnson and longevity biohacking

    47:50 The future of health: AI-driven personalized medicine

    51:28 Wearables: when they help vs. when they hurt

    53:12 Passing wisdom to the next generation: embracing greatness and usefulness

    56:15 Final reflections: passion, usefulness, and living as a contender


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


    #Longevity #HealthyAging #RedefiningAging #SuperAge #Ageist #MidlifeReinvention #MindsetMatters #AgingWell #LifeAfterCrisis #HealthTransformation #Vitality #BreakingAgingStereotypes #AgingStrong #LongevityLifestyle #AgelessLiving

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    1 hr
  • Midlife Awakening & Spiritual Growth with Anne Lamott & Neal Allen
    Sep 24 2025

    What happens when a bestselling writer and a former corporate executive dive deep into life’s second half?


    In this powerful conversation, Anne Lamott and Neal Allen share raw, funny, and moving stories about midlife transformation, spiritual awakening, recovery, and how to finally silence that relentless inner critic. From faith and writing to intimacy, aging, and finding purpose, their wisdom will leave you inspired — and maybe even rethinking your own path.


    👉 Don’t miss this chance to hear life-changing insights from two voices who know the journey inside out. Watch now and discover how midlife can become your most powerful chapter yet.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 From Corporate Life to Spiritual Coaching

    06:08 Annie’s Christian Spirituality

    08:19 Annie’s Childhood, Religion & Humor

    12:46 Embracing Christianity in a Ghetto Church

    14:40 Annie’s Left-Wing Christianity Views

    17:23 Anne’s Washington Post Columns on Aging

    21:04 Imposter Syndrome & Life After 50

    24:50 The Value of Intimacy & Deeper Connection

    28:51 Taming the Inner Critic Workshop

    33:46 Wisdom Bumper Stickers


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


    #AnneLamott #NealAllen #MidlifeChrysalis #SpiritualGrowth #LifeAfter50 #InnerCritic #WritingCommunity #RecoveryJourney #ChristianSpirituality #PersonalTransformation #MindfulnessPractice #AgingWisdom #SpiritualCoaching #SelfAwarenessJourney #FaithAndHealing

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    42 mins
  • How to Rewrite Your Story After a Life Quake with Bruce Feiler
    Sep 17 2025

    What if the most painful disruptions in life—illness, job loss, divorce, or even an empty nest, were actually the keys to growth?


    Bestselling author Bruce Feiler shares how “life quakes” shake up our stories and push us to rewrite them. From his own battle with cancer and family upheaval to studying hundreds of life transitions, Bruce reveals why resilience is a skill, not a trait, and how rituals, creativity, and storytelling can turn crisis into renewal. Dive into his powerful seven tools for navigating transitions, learn why the myth of the midlife crisis is outdated, and how to finally become the hero of your own story.


    ✨ Tune in to discover how to transform life’s hardest moments into your greatest turning points.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Intro

    00:40 Introduction to Bruce Feiler

    02:24 Background, early life & first book

    07:09 Life quakes and losing control of your story

    12:15 Knowing when a transition is complete

    18:11 The three stages of transition

    24:40 Seven tools for navigating transitions

    30:31 Acceptance and rituals to mark change

    35:18 The ritual renaissance & new book preview

    41:28 Routine vs. ritual explained

    45:09 Shedding habits & finding creativity

    49:19 Updating your story & unveiling your new self

    51:19 The debate: midlife vs. transitions at all ages

    58:51 Wisdom bumper sticker

    01:04:22 Closing reflections & gratitude


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


    #BruceFeiler #LifeQuakes #MidlifeTransitions #ReinventYourself #LifeIsInTheTransitions, #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingCrisis #FindingMeaning #ResilienceInMidlife #RewriteYourStory #RitualsAndRenewal #MidlifeReinvention #SelfDiscoveryJourney #ThrivingThroughChange #BeTheHeroOfYourStory

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    1 hr and 9 mins
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