Episodes

“Lightning in a bottle”: MTV VJ and IHeart80s radio host Martha Quinn on her crazy audition for the job of a lifetime, why there’s so much nostalgia for the ‘80s, and learning not to overload her “plate.” * Martha Quinn at IHeart80s@103.7 * Follow Martha on Twitter and Facebook * Martha’s Mixtape – submit your ideas for a mixtape here * VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV’s First Wave by Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Martha Quinn with Gavin Edwards. Great long read about your fav...

“There’s no shortcut:” Along with sneak previews from his new album Blood Brothers, Americana musician Jeffrey Foucault shares his thoughts on impersonation becoming truth, the music economy, and the magic triad of luck, hard work, and talent.

“Trust my feet:” Nature hacktivist Rue Mapp on her non-profit’s work to reconnect and strengthen the relationship between nature and communities of color, the healing qualities of outdoor time at midlife, and trail (music) mixes.

“That next first step:” FeedOurDemocracy.com co-founders Isabel Kallman and Jeannine Harvey on the need for civic and civil engagement, the power of scale, and how all those years of therapy finally pay off at midlife.

“My time to call them out:” Award winning humorist Wendi Aarons on the power of protest humor, her admiration for the next generation’s ability to speak up, and her nascent career as a Barry Manilow fanfic writer.

“I really stand by my work:” Bestselling author and journalist Peggy Orenstein on three decades of covering issues affecting girls and women, the persistence of the assault on women’s rights, and her curious predilection for offbeat adventure travel. * Peggy’s website * Peggy’s latest book Don’t Call Me Princess: Essays on Girls, Women, Sex, and Life * Peggy will be in conversation with cartooning icon Aline Kominksy-Crumb at the Bay Area Book Festival on Sunday, April 29 – details here * Peggy’...

“Trusting my special sauce:” Grief and empathy specialist Dr. Kelsey Crowe on concrete ways to convert compassion to action, seeking joy in midlife grief, and outgrowing her own fear of making mistakes when loved ones undergo difficult times.

“My voice is worth hearing:” Journalist Jennifer Mendelsohn on turning her genealogy hobby into a powerful means of combating disinformation, her midlife confidence, and that time she was Mariah Carey’s backup singer at summer camp. * Follow Jennifer on Twitter at @CleverTitleTK * Dive into the #ResistanceGenealogy hashtag for dispatches from the Genealogy Army. They’re armed with curiosity, excellent research skills, and tenacity – consider yourself warned… Today’s musical accompaniment: “The A...

“It’s ok to say no:” Bay Area hip hop legend Corey Action on the power of putting your wishes into the Universe, working with the next generation of hip hop activists, and freestyling through unexpected midlife transitions.

“This weird zig-zagging mishmash:” Custom embroidery designer Kathie Sever on being grateful for her circuitous life path, the sustainability trade off between customization and efficiency, and how craft keeps the humanity in a digital world.

“I really like to be scared:” The Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine on the band’s legacy and upcoming “Head Over Heels” musical, her thirst for lifelong learning, and the magic that comes from following those interests that tug at your heart.

“Turn that creativity wheel:” Decluttering expert Dana White unpacks why less stuff means more creativity, how GenXers can help downsizing parents and kids leaving home, and the challenges and payoffs of living in the now.

“Reach over the divide:” Sera Bonds, founder/CEO of Circle of Health International (COHI,) talks about the power of transformative conversation, inherent racism in poverty work, and her changing definition of success at midlife.

“Know your worth:” In this year-end supersize episode, Amber Buist, manager of indie-folk sensations The Accidentals, talks generosity and serendipity on tour with the band. Plus updates and musical surprises to wrap up 2017!

“It starts with compassion:” Katrina Alcorn, author of “Maxed Out: American Moms on the Brink,” on structural changes needed to help GenX women at the breaking point, a reminder that change is inevitable, and her rocker flock of urban chickens.

“Not the secondary characters:” CEO of Spotlight: Girls, Lynn Johnson, on how the theater camp she co-founded to help put girls’ stories center stage is going nationwide, her midlife leadership shift, and a concert that was even cooler in retrospect.

“Not the secondary characters:” CEO of Spotlight: Girls, Lynn Johnson, on how the theater camp she co-founded to help put girls’ stories center stage is going nationwide, her midlife leadership shift, and a concert that was even cooler in retrospect.

“Enough sky for everyone:” Travel writer and editor Lavinia Spalding on why taking a writer’s perspective can make you a better traveler, the importance of keeping journals, and the virtues of karaoke diplomacy.

“Enough sky for everyone:” Travel writer and editor Lavinia Spalding on why taking a writer’s perspective can make you a better traveler, the importance of keeping journals, and the virtues of karaoke diplomacy.

“An infinite number of hobbies:” Author and polymath Neal Pollack on his father/son educational podcast from Audible called “Extra Credit,” how to be a cool dad of a teen (hint: ignore the teen’s opinion,) and poker’s power to unite.

“An infinite number of hobbies:” Author and polymath Neal Pollack on his father/son educational podcast from Audible called “Extra Credit,” how to be a cool dad of a teen (hint: ignore the teen’s opinion,) and poker’s power to unite.

“Take a seat within your soul:” Makeup artist, esthetician, and entrepreneur Aliesh Pierce talks about her early career in music videos, midlife as a time to turn inward, and what made her cry when she met the Obama family. Bonus: ode to skin masks!

“Take a seat within your soul:” Makeup artist, esthetician, and entrepreneur Aliesh Pierce talks about her early career in music videos, midlife as a time to turn inward, and what made her cry when she met the Obama family. Bonus: ode to skin masks!

“Meet people where they are:” Environmental entrepreneur Jeff Kirschner on how his Litterati project grew from an Instagram photo of a cigarette butt to a global community clean-up, and how data (and vanilla creme cookies) can drive sustainability.