Episodes
Friday Sep 01, 2023
From Grief to Growth: Embracing Change with Debbie Weiss
Friday Sep 01, 2023
Friday Sep 01, 2023
Today’s guest is Debbie Weiss, an author, memoirist, and yoga instructor. Debbie shares her story of an unexpected second half that began with the loss of her high school sweetheart and husband of 32 years, her subsequent grief, and being forced into reinventing a new life.
She talks about her experiences in navigating the online dating world as a midlife widow, finding new passions, like her love of writing, and learning how to survive and thrive in her new reality. .
In this episode:
- Debbie courageously shares her experiences as a midlife widow re-entering the dating world after her husband's passing, emphasizing the importance of seeking connections during times of loneliness.
- Discover how yoga became a pivotal part of Debbie's healing and growth journey, leading her to become a certified yoga instructor and explore new passions.
- Dive into the lessons from Debbie's memoir, "Available As Is: A Midlife Widow's Search For Love," which delves into adapting to a new life she didn’t choose, the strength she found within herself, and finding new love in her 50s.
Debbie's inspiring journey from grief to transformation sheds light on the power of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing change in the second half of life. Her experiences and insights offer a guide to those navigating their own paths of healing and reinvention.
Other ways to find and connect with Debbie are:
Website: debbieweissauthor.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Choosing Faith Over Fear on an Epic Adventure
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
EP357: In this episode, we're diving into a thrilling adventure that takes us through the lush landscapes of Scotland. I recount an adventure from my recent trip, where I faced the unknown and took on an exhilarating mountain biking excursion.
Key Takeaways:
- Choosing faith over fear can lead to magical and enriching experiences.
- The magic of life often lies outside our comfort zones.
- Recognizing the difference between fear from the head and fear from the heart.
- Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Believing in your capabilities can build confidence and shape your reality.
This journey is a tale of overcoming fear, embracing faith, and discovering the unexpected magic that lies beyond our comfort zones.
If you learned something from this episode, please leave a review and let me know how it helped you. And so you don't miss any upcoming episodes, make sure you are subscribed to the podcast.
Also, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
Youtube: youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Saturday Aug 26, 2023
6 Truths My Divorce Taught Me
Saturday Aug 26, 2023
Saturday Aug 26, 2023
EP356: My interview with Elise Buie in Episode 355 of my podcast inspired me to share a few of the lessons I learned by following through on my decision to divorce my first husband.
I wasted some valuable years not taking action on what I knew deep down I wanted to do. Instead, I sat in fear and indecision, living a passionless life. I was dispassionate not only in my marriage but in everything I did.
I know I'm not alone because I've talked to many women who stay in unhappy marriages for many of the same reasons. If that's you, this episode is for you!
Maybe the 6 truths I share are ones you need to hear because my guess is, if you are sitting in inaction, they are things you haven't learned yet, and you never will if you don't take the action necessary to live a happier existence. But if you do choose to make living your best life your goal, I know you will find them to be true too.
Fear and indecision won't make you happy. They will keep you in a dark place where your light is dimmed - a place I don't think you want to live anymore. And it's certainly not a place you'll look back on at the end of your life and say: "I'm so glad I chose THAT!"
If you learned something from this episode, please leave a review and let me know how it helped you. And so you don't miss any upcoming episodes, make sure you are subscribed to the podcast.
Also, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
Youtube: youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Improving Lives Through the Divorce Process, with Elise Buie
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
EP355: Today’s guest is Elise Buie, Esq., a prominent family and divorce lawyer based in Seattle. Elise is not just a legal expert, but a divorce survivor and a beacon of hope for those navigating the rough seas that occur when navigating the demise of a marriage.
In this episode, Elise shared:
- Why she became a divorce lawyer and has made putting the best interests of children a priority in her work
- How she lost her home and job as a result of Hurricane Katrina
- Advice for people who are choosing to stay in unhappy relationships
- Hope for finding love again late in life
Elise is no stranger to the hustle of balancing a demanding career while parenting a blended family of six spirited teens and young adults, alongside her second husband, Doug.
As the founder of the Elise Buie Family Law Group, Elise's dedication to advocating for her clients and prioritizing the well-being of their children shines through. She is a true advocate for civility in divorce and her insights offer a fresh perspective on an often challenging process.
Listen to this captivating episode where we dive deep into Elise Buie's experiences, lessons learned, and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Her story exemplifies the power of resilience and the art of crafting a sparked second half of life.
Other ways to find and connect with Elise are:
Website: https://elisebuiefamilylaw.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisebuiefamilylaw/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elise-buie-family-law-group/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisebuiefamilylawgroup/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCF8VhDqm60jk3S2XbN6_Sg
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Friday Aug 18, 2023
15 Awesome Tips from My Recent Travel Adventure
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Friday Aug 18, 2023
EP354: As I was reflecting on my recent trip to Ireland and Scotland, I thought of a few things I wished I'd known or done. And then I thought of YOU and decided to share them in the hopes they help you on your next travel adventure.
Along with my tips, I share the reasons why each tip made this list.
If you're not traveling soon, let this episode and my stories about my recent trip inspire you to start planning your own fun trip.
CLICK HERE to find the cross-body purse, aka "sling bag," I got from Altar'd State that I highly recommend for travel.
If you learned something from this episode, please leave a review and let me know how it helped you. And so you don't miss any upcoming episodes, make sure you are subscribed to the podcast.
Also, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
Youtube: youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
How Sound Opens A Connection With Your Soul and Heals, with Valerie Irons
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Today’s guest is Valerie Irons, an artist, sound alchemist, and breathwork practitioner who owns Aumbase (pronounced Ōm-Bās), a Yoga & Sound Studio and Adventure Tour company in Sedona, AZ. Valerie's journey is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of embracing new paths later in life.
Ten years ago, at the age of 50, Valerie embarked on a new journey as a Sound Healer,, a decision that shaped the second half of her life and has allowed her to impact the lives of countless individuals seeking healing and self-discovery.
Her personal healing journey has centered around relationship wounds, abandonment, and worthiness and serves as a powerful foundation for the divine union with her soul mate - a beautiful story that began unfolding in late 2019.
In this episode, Valerie shared:
- The incredible love story she waited her whole life to experience and the vivid dream she had about it that years later manifested into her reality. (You gotta hear this!!! 😮)
- Her personal journey that brought her to Sedona from Los Angeles and to sound healing.
- Information about the fascinating practice of sound healing and how it helps with self-discovery.
- Tips for exploring different methods of healing for relaxation and self-awareness.
Valerie's insights shed light on how sound can be harnessed to unlock inner blockages, promote deep relaxation, and facilitate a deeper understanding of and connection to one’s self. Her story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to embrace a new journey of self-exploration, and, in so doing, find remarkable new beginnings.
I can’t wait to meet her in person and experience my first sound healing session at my upcoming retreat in Sedona. If you’d like to join us, there are still a couple of spots left. CLICK HERE to learn more about the details of my Get Sparked LIVE! Retreat. (If there are no spots left, get on the waitlist for the 2024 retreat so you can be the first to hear about it when the dates are announced!)
Other ways to find and connect with Valerie are:
Website: http://www.valerieirons.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriesanjali/?hl=en
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/aumbasesedona
Contact: http://www.valerieirons.com/contact.html
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Friday Aug 11, 2023
6 Lies You May Be Telling Yourself
Friday Aug 11, 2023
Friday Aug 11, 2023
EP352: Our inner chatter is constant and so much of it is negative, unhelpful, and UNTRUE!
And what I've learned from helping so many women over 50 is that we, as a collective group, tell ourselves the same damn lies.
Call them myths, unhelpful thoughts, or LIES but the fact of the matter is that continuing to tell yourself these things will not move you to make any positive changes and get you the happier life you desire.
So the first step is to recognize what you are saying to yourself and acknowledge that many of them are not true - even if you think they are, I want you to consider the possibility that they aren't. And know that if others just like you had the same unhelpful thoughts and discovered them to not be true for them, that is evidence that they are likely not true for you too.
If you are feeling stuck, consider the possibility that this chatter is just nonsense and is the biggest contributor to why you feel the way you do and then get curious.
Think about what could happen in your life if these things actually weren't true and you could create better internal chatter that would motivate and inspire you.
Let this episode be the instigator of change! Recognize which of these lies you are telling yourself and start being aware of how often you say them to yourself and how they affect your emotions and actions.
Remember: Awareness is the first step to positive change!
If you learned something from this episode, please leave a review and let me know how it helped you. And so you don't miss any upcoming episodes, make sure you are subscribed to the podcast.
Also, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
Youtube: youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Find New Purpose Using a Paintbrush, with Dr. Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
EP351: Today’s guest is Dr. Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, an abstract artist, transformational coach for creatives, author, podcaster, and organizational psychologist whose mission is all about helping creatives design a life on their terms. Her expertise lies at the intersection of leadership development, creativity, and wellness.
During our conversation, we delved into Dr. Clarissa's framework which empowers individuals to 'paint their path.' Through her various events like Employee to Creative Entrepreneur and The Creative Abundant Leadership Summit, she has guided countless aspiring creative entrepreneurs in experiencing their own breakthroughs, supporting them in their journey to design their next chapter outside the corporate world.
In this episode, Dr. Clarissa and I talked about:
- How she unlocked her creativity that led her to a more fulfilling and purposeful life
- How intuition played a part in her business and writing a book
- Practical tips for embracing creativity and breaking free from conventional molds.
Listen in to hear Dr. Clarissa’s insights on how to break free from what you think you should do, and instead embrace your creative side to create a life that aligns with your passions.
Other ways to find and connect with Dr. Clarissa are:
Website: clarissastudio.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.clarissacastilloramsey
FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/paintingyourpath/
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Where’s Your Next Adventure? Top Travel Destinations for Women Over 50!
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Friday Aug 04, 2023
EP350: As I was getting ready to embark on a long-awaited trip to Ireland and Scotland, I thought it would be fun to check out the top travel destinations recommended for women over 50.
I came up with a few international locations and several more that are within the United States since I know there are many places in my own country I have yet to see and was curious what would be on the list.
So if you have the itch to get out and go on an adventure, like I’m doing right this very minute (since I recorded this episode about an hour before I left on my trip), then let this be a sign that IT’S TIME!
What’s a place you’ve been dreaming about? What’s a place that pops into your head when you hear someone talk about visiting there? Is there a place on your vision board? Is there a dream destination on your “bucket list?” Did one of the places I mention give you a little twinge of excitement?
Don’t waste another minute saying “One day” or “Some day.” Get out your calendar and set the date! Then go about planning it!!!
We began planning this trip about 10 months ago and I can’t believe it’s finally here. I know it will be a trip to remember with many forever memories made.
To me, the best money I’ve ever spent is on forever memories made from going on trips with people I enjoy being around. And that is why I want you to get moving and make some of your own!!!
P.S. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, check out my stories where you can join me on this latest adventure as it unfolds in real time!
If you learned something from this episode, please leave a review and let me know how it helped you. And so you don't miss any upcoming episodes, make sure you are subscribed to the podcast.
Also, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
Youtube: youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
EP349: Today’s guest is Elaine Ambrose, a true embodiment of resilience. First off, Elaine is a bestselling author and has authored an impressive collection of 12 books, 14 eBooks, and 4 audiobooks, and her writing has been recognized with prestigious national awards in humor, memoir, and children’s literature.
But what’s even more impressive is what Elaine has been able to accomplish in the past 9 months after her life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a heart attack while out of the country at a speaking event. Unable to continue her webinars and speaking engagements due to shortness of breath after her health crisis, she found an innovative way to share her message with the world through ventriloquism.
In this episode, Elaine and I talked about:
- How a health crisis impacted her livelihood overnight.
- How she came upon ventriloquism to fend off boredom as she was recuperating.
- How her newly acquired skill has provided a new way to share her message.
- The power of a positive attitude and humor to heal your heart and your life.
In this heartfelt conversation, Elaine shares valuable wisdom about finding joy and purpose in unexpected places. Her story is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to adapt and flourish even in challenging circumstances.
This episode is sure to inspire you to explore more unconventional paths that you may not have considered or thought possible, as well as give you a renewed appreciation for life and the unknown future that you never can predict. At 71 years old, Elaine is a great example of how seemingly insurmountable obstacles can bring new and fulfilling opportunities late in life.
Other ways to find and connect with Elaine are:
Website: https://elaineambrose.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaineambrose/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYHATrU8LsGYXJ5ZaUQ4NYg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elaine.ambrose
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:
Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.