The Boomer Woman’s Podcast

Break Free of ”The Rules” with Heather Whelpley

Heather Whelpley started life as an audacious, confident, whole-life child… but as she grew through her teens into womanhood, she wore the societal rules so many of us grew up with, that many of us hold true to this day. Until one day, as she says… she woke up.

How did Heather wake up to this reality?

Are rules gender separate or gender neutral?

How did she connect to her “grounded wildness”? How do we do that?

What’s her advice for us mid-age women who want to recognize and break free from some of the “brules” we’ve been living under?

Find Heather at https://www.heatherwhelpley.com/

Find out more about Heather and find all her links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-heather-whelpley/

 

The Boomer Woman’s Podcast 2023 Year-End Wrap

Season 4 is done and dusted.  Who can believe it.  Before I kick off Season 5 I review the amazing guests of 2023.  It's a quick and easy review - the link to all the episodes is the show notes!

Find the links to your favourite... or your missed episodes at https://boomwithabang.com/podcast-2023/

 

Gila Melamed: Nomad by Choice (Replay)

My conversation with Gila Melamed, released in September was the most listened to episode of 2023.

Gila Melamed is an acquaintance of an acquaintance of mine. I knew Miriam had travelled North America in a camperized van for six months last year and when she told me she was hosting a woman who was travelling North America in a camperized car for a year… I was intrigued. A Mazda CX-5 is a nice car… but to live in it? By choice?  I do ask some practical questions.

Gila seems to be a colourful character by any standards so her adventures and stories are probably not a surprise… hopefully they will be an inspiration.  She also explains how women nomads connect with each other.

So much growth for Gila as she embraces this lifestyle. Many of you will identify with her story and her experiences and her evolution. Could you be next?

Follow Gila's adventures at: https://www.gilacolorguru.com/blog

Find all of Gila's links at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-gila-melamed/

 

 

 

Fernando Diez: The Galapagos Islands and Other Destinations

Fernando Diez’ story starts with his mother, who fell in love with The Galapagos at age 16.  A decade later she introduced her future husband to the islands and he fell in love with them too.  The rest is, as they say, history!

Fernando calls himself and his brothers the Mowglis of The Galapagos.

Fernando shares some history of Quito, Ecuador and so much interesting info about The Galapagos as well as background around tours of the islands. His family’s company is Quasar Expeditions – and they quickly learned that tourism was the only way to preserve the islands: “people don’t protect what they don’t know”.

Listeners will appreciate an insight into what we, as Boomer women, can expect on a tour with Quasar! (listen for a tip on when to score a deal or two with the company!)

Fernando also tells us about their tours of Patagonia and Mainland Ecuador.  He is so good, you’ll be thinking about a trip for sure!  The company’s social footprint is as impressive as their tours!

And, finally, Fernando’s wisdom before we close is worth noting… he must have gotten that from his mother!

**  My guest and I were half a globe away for our conversation so parts are a little resonant.  And please excuse my faulty Spanish!

Find Fernando and Quasar Expeditions at https://www.quasarex.com/

Learn more about Fernando and Quasar, find all the links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-fernando-diez/

 

Barbara Schnarr Giatti with Senior Workbooks

Barb Giatti experienced dementia with both her parents while she was living internationally, so she moved back to small town, Michigan to take care of them.

Barb discusses some of the experiences with her parents – you’ll be relieved to know your parents aren’t worse than others.

Barb’s mother would never understand a computer or the internet so Barb created hard copy workbooks.  You’ll find the content really interesting… just as Barb was interested in keeping the content as varied as possible.

Don’t for a second think this conversation is just about senior workbooks… when Barb and I put our heads together there are so many other purposes for her various books... and maybe yours.

I’m just a regular person… trying to help  - that might sound so familiar if you are caregiver of a person with dementia.

(If you’re an aspiring author, tune in for so many tips from Barb about getting your book out there)

Quite a random conversation!  Enjoy!

Find Barbara Giatti at https://seniorworkbooks.com/

Learn more about Barbara and find links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-barbara-schnarr-giatti/

 

Taru Fisher on Ageism... Rageism?

Taru Fisher has been a guest on this podcast before.  New topic for us, old topic between us… age-old topic between us. 

Ageism is the last socially accepted form of prejudice.

We discuss Internalized ageism, Cultural ageism, Implicit ageism, and Benevolent ageism.  All are irritating, and wrong.

The medical system, tech subjects, are areas where people feel quite free to talk down to elders.

Honest and candid, personal experience and personal irritations…

Both of us have great analogies for the ability of our brains to remember more and more as we get older.  You’ll hear a few tips for keeping things straight!

Lots of laughter… because that never gets old!

Find Taru at https://tarufisher.com/

Learn more about Taru and find all the links at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-taru-fisher/

 

Jeanne Andrus: The Gift of Menopause

My guest today had a perfectly fine life… until age 48; Jeanne Andrus then uses the verb “clobbered” to explain what perimenopause did to her. That began her 4 year journey through personal experience, research, and training to understand how and why menopause affects women so completely.

It's hard enough that our mothers probably never talked about menopause, and perhaps we don’t have too many friends we compare stories with, but when doctors and other health practitioners don’t talk about it either, it can be super confusing, even frightening. 

A strong proponent of a natural menopause, Jeanne is firm that you need to support your body as it navigates the changes that come with menopause.

“The gift of menopause is that we get to take ourselves and put ourselves in the center, in the very center, of our lives”

Jeanne also has thoughts for men and relationships.

Find Jeanne at https://menopause.guru/

Learn more about Jeanne at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-jeanne-andrus/

 

Beate Chelette With Thoughts for Women Planning the Next Chapter

Beate Chelette has an amazing story… actually she has more than one. So many good ideas… and almost every calamity except pestilence… and then a gift: the Small Business Administration (U.S.A.)

A smart business woman who could stay one step ahead of the trends – maybe she created them? – the truth lies somewhere between kismet and serendipity.

This podcast doesn’t often pursue a business theme, but Beate’s stories and insights and wisdom make it really interesting.  Many pre- and early-retirement people consider another career, Beate talks to the entrepreneur and the VA.

Beate has also written The Women’s Code – that’s a book worth picking up. Such an advocate for women and the issues that society inflicts.

I give Beate several scenarios about a woman’s “work” situation… her answers are both insightful and so interesting… the words of a professional… and so inspiring!

Find Beate at https://beatechelette.com/

Learn more about Beate at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-beate-chelette/

 

Cristina Castignini: Eating Disorders at Any Age

Cristina Castignini had an eating disorder.  Once she had her PhD in Counseling Psychology, perhaps it was inevitable that she focus in on eating disorders.

In this episode, Cristina explains eating disorders and blows some myths out of the water.

As women, we tend to think that young women are the prime suspects for eating disorders, but menopause can also be a trigger.

I’m fairly sure I’ve not had an eating disorder but some of Cristina’s examples really hit home for me… remnants of the diet mentality?

What do you not say to someone with an eating disorder, or that you’re concerned might have an eating disorder? Cristina helps us out.

Find Cristina at https://behindthebitepodcast.com/home/

Learn more about Cristina at https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-cristina-castignini/

 

Chris Donaldson: It’s The Journey Not The Destination

From bullets and bombs in Belfast in the 70s to a variety of civil wars in Africa… not to mention crossing the Sahara on a café racer… Chris Donaldson’s life did not lack excitement and danger in 1979/80.

As Chris’ “trip” unfolded he realized the destination was no longer the “thing” – he was traveling for the sake of traveling (… still on the Moto Guzzi café racer!)

From Ireland down through Africa to South America, L.A. to Vancouver and across Canada, south through the U.S. and Mexico to South America… that was Chris’ first trip.

You might remember names like the Ayatollah Khomeini, Idi Amin, Pablo Escobar… Chris seemed to visit at less than opportune times!

This conversation is adventure but nothing compared to the book!! Holy Moly!

Find Chris at http://chrisdonaldson.world/

Buy The Book: Going The Wrong Way

Learn more about Chris at: https://boomwithabang.com/the-boomer-womans-podcast-chris-donaldson/