50 Women Over 50

Embracing Gray: Should I Let My Hair Go?

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 2 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this mini episode of 50 Women Over 50, a podcast for women who are at a crossroads in life and are seeing inspiration to take their next step, we delve into a question that many women face: should I let my hair go gray? Join host Sherrilynne Starkie in exploring this topic with insightful interviews with three remarkable women who have embraced their silver strands.

Featured Interviews:

Ann Douglas: author of 25 non-fiction books including her latest, “Navigating the Messy Middle: A Fiercely Honest and Wildly Encouraging Guide for Midlife Women.” Listen to the full interview in Episode 22: Over 50 and Navigating the Messy Middle.

Sharon Jones: A leadership trainer and author of “Tread Gently: For the Emotionally Clumsy.” Listen to the full interview in Episode 21: Over 50 and Taking Life’s Reins.

Michelle VanderBosch: Owner of Rebel Petal, a florist in Manotick, South Ottawa. Listen to the full interview in Episode 6: Over 50 and Still a Rebel.

These conversations highlight the diversity of experiences and perspectives among women navigating midlife transitions. Whether you're considering embracing your natural hair colour or simply curious about the journey, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

Elevating the voices and stories of women navigating the enriching complexities of midlife, '50 Women Over 50' is an empowering podcast that draws inspiration from the experiences of 50 incredible women.

How to Celebrate Your 50th Birthday

Tue, 21 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Episode 3 of Season 2 of 50 Women Over 50 tackles a question that many women approaching their 50th birthday are asking. How should I celebrate? The show features interviews with 22 women who describe how they chose to mark 50 years.

From the laughter-filled gatherings to the quiet moments of reflection, from adventurous escapades to unexpected twists, these women showed us that turning 50 isn't just a milestone; it's an opportunity to embrace life in all its beauty and complexity.

Topics Discussed:

Having a 50th Birthday party
Spending your 50th birthday alone
Keeping your 50th birthday a secret
Quiet reflection on your 50th birthday
Taking the trip of lifetime to celebrate 50 years
Celebrating your 50th birthday in lockdown
Making memories with your 50th birthday

Featured Guests:

Patti Handy, Certified Financial Coach , Focusing on Faith Over Fear
Stephanie Cotsirilos, Author, Embracing a Multi Ethnic Legacy
Hillary Seacrest, Musician and Podcaster, Much Style & Wise Counsel
Alison Wearing, Performer and Writing Coach, Embracing New Fire of Life
Martina Clark, Activist and Author, Living Well with HIV
Basia Vanderveen, Realtor, Age is a Mental State
Michelle Vanderbosch, Florist, Still a Rebel
Anna Epp, Portrait Photographer, No Time for Ridiculousness
Rita Rich, Radio News Broadcaster, Navigating Life as a Widow
Tina Davidson, Composer and Author, Harmonizing with Hidden Truths
Lyn Bowman, Cookbook Author, Eating Brownies for Breakfast
Susan Murphy, Broadcaster and Coach, Overcoming Husband’s Suicide
Nicola O’Connell, Freelance Journalist, Balancing the Sandwich Generation
Marie Fitzpatrick, Communications Professional, Making Life Great
Julie Ellis, Entrepreneur, Big Gorgeous Goals
Sharon Jones, Corporate Trainer & Author, From Divorce to Inner Peace
Christine Borax, Biker and Painter, Finally on a Good Road
Kathy Buckworth, Media Personality, Breaking Grandma Stereotypes
Julie Cole, Entrepreneur, Mom of Six & Me Time
Agnes Knowles, Podcaster Boomer in a Corvair
Kerri Diffin, Sales professional, Living in Sobriety

Is it too late to change job or career after 50 years of age?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Episode 2 of Season 2 of 50 Women Over 50 tackles a question that many women are asking: Is it too late to change job or career after 50 years of age? The show features interviews with 11 women who have dared to make a big change.

Often hitting the big 5-0 becomes a catalyst for a career shift that brings newfound purpose and fulfillment. And the women in this episode are not just talking careers; they are talking about transformations, discoveries, and the pursuit of total happiness. These stories are nothing short of inspiring, showcasing the diversity of paths these amazing women have taken when they found themselves at a turning point.

From groundbreaking career shifts to personal reinventions, these midlife women are living proof that it's never too late to chase your dreams.

Topics Discussed:

It’s now or never
Leaving a successful career to find more meaningful work
“Having it all!”
Fulfilling lifelong dreams
A change is as good as a rest
Ageism at work

Featured Guests:

Coming Soon! Episode 2: Is it too late for a career change?

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Mon, 5 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In the next episode of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, Host Sherrilynne Starkie is diving deep into the burning questions that resonate with women over 50 and tackles a question that she herself struggled with and many other women are asking: Is it too late to change job or career at this point in our lives?

Episode 2 drops February 13th. Don't miss it.

Divorce after 50: Should you leave?

Tue, 9 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this, the first episode of Season 2 of 50 Women Over 50, you’ll find powerful stories of incredible women who have faced the challenging decision of whether or not to continue in a marriage or a long-term relationship. They share their intimate journeys of heartache, resilience, and transformation. From rediscovering authenticity to navigating financial independence. These amazing women offered insights that go beyond the surface, exploring the multifaceted aspects of relationships and personal growth. It's a raw and honest exploration of the complexities involved in making such a life altering decision at a pivotal age. In this episode, you'll hear tales of courage, strategic planning, and the pursuit of happiness.

Topics Discussed:

The reasons they decided to leave.
What they feared most.
How splitting up changed them.
How to leave a long-term relationship.

Featured Guests:

What's next for the 50 Women Over 50 podcast

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 2 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie gives a sneak peek peek into what's coming up on "50 Women Over 50" in the next few months.

Over 50 and fighting for families impacted by rare diseases

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sandra Markus, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Sandra Markus, a marketing and communications consultant and the driving force behind the I Care for Rare advocacy campaign to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

As the mother of a young man with a rare neurological disease, Sandra is on a mission to improve the lives of patients, families and caregivers living with rare disorders. In this interview she shares how her life changed when her son graduated high school and his established health care and social support systems stopped almost overnight.

Sandra explains, “Zach is my son who was born with a rare disorder, and it gave me great relief that while I was working, he was in school. He graduated during the pandemic, and that was the turning point for our whole family.”

Sandra Markus
Sandra Markus is a brand, marketing and communications expert with over three decades of industry experience. She has worked with local, national and international brands of all types, ranging from public-sector and not-for-profits to private-sector consumer and technology. She’s an IABC certified strategic business communicator and is a Past President of IABC Ottawa. Her elder son, Zach, was diagnosed at 18 years old with CHD2 myoclonic encephalopathy in 2018. Sandra is sharing her story with the hope that together, the patients, families and caregivers of those living with rare diseases and disorders can come together and show support for much-needed healthcare and community care reform.
• Sandra Markus
• I Care for Rare
• The I Care for Rare Podcast
• CHEO
• Roger Neilson House
• Kiwanis Club of Ottawa
• The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch
• The Curse of Oak Island
• Next! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work by Joanne Lipman

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and has loved learning from all the women she interviewed. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

From Grief to Growth: Carrie E. Pierce’s Inspired Life Over 50

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes children’s book Author Carrie E. Pierce to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.
Having experienced heartbreak and tragedy firsthand and seeing many of her dreams come true, Carrie speaks honestly about life with a rich insight into the human heart. In this interview she shares her own journey through grief to a new life in new community with new friendships and a new, positive perspective of life over 50.
Carrie says, “I have faced my most crushing loss and I'm still standing. I am, for the first time, getting an opportunity to find out who and what I really am.”
Carrie E. Pierce
Carrie E. Pierce has over 20 years of experience in publishing, radio & TV. She is a published author and ghostwriter. Her children's book Abby Apple Tree was named a finalist for an Eric Hoffer Award. She is a partner in Morgan Pierce Media & Publishing. And her subscription service Letters from Elizabeth, delivers thoughtfully penned letters twice a month to women who suddenly find themselves alone after a major life change later in life.
• Carrie E. Pierce
• Abby Apple Tree by Carrie E. Pierce
• The Tail of Tommy Tomlinson’s Tennis Shoes by Carrie E. Pierce
• Hope is the First Dose: A Treatment Plan for Recovering from Trauma, Tragedy and Other Massive Things by W. Lee Warrner M.D.
• Imperial Woman: The Story of the Last Empress of China by Pearl S. Buck
• The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
• Monarch of the Glen
• Union Gospel Mission
About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here.

Over 50 and Embracing a Multiethnic Legacy with Stephanie Cotsirilos

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Stephanie Cotsirilos, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 7 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes actor, lawyer and writer Stephanie Cotsirilos to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.
Stephanie’s extended family’s roots in Greece, Peru, and Asia have shaped her journey as an author, lawyer, and performing artist.

In this interview Stephanie discusses her experience of being widowed shortly after she and her husband had adopted a baby boy from Peru. She shares her incredible journey and the many pivots she’s made in navigating life’s many twists and turns.
Stephanie says, “What a privilege it is to have the time and the good health to enjoy nature’s beauty. I’m gifted with great good fortune.”

Stephanie Cotsirilos
Stephanie Cotsirilos is the author of the novella My Xanthi, essayist in Beacon Press' award-winning anthology Breaking Bread: Essays from New England on Food, Hunger, and Family, Story of the Week author and finalist in Narrative Magazine's Fall 2022 Story Contest, and published finalist in Mississippi Review’s 2019 Prize in Fiction. Twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize, her work has appeared in print and online venues including McSweeney’s, The New Guard, and various media. A 2023 Sewanee Writers Conference member, she was previously Katahdin (Patrice Krant) Fellow in residence at Storyknife’s inaugural retreat for women writers in Alaska.
• Stephanie Cotsirilos
• My Xanthi by Stephanie Cotsirilos
• ILAP
• Portland Ballet
• My Kitchen Rules

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Squishing Stigmas and Celebrating Connections: Marilyn Shannon’s Insights on Life after 50

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Marilyn Shannon, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Marilyn Shannon, a successful a successful speaker, coach, author and facilitator to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Marilyn describes herself as a stigma squisher and listening freak. She’s the number one best selling author of the book series “In Just One Afternoon Listening to the Hearts of’.

In this interview Marilyn discusses breaking down stigmas, the importance of relationships, the challenges of aging, the impact of social media, and the joys of being a grandmother.

Marilyn says, “We have to all learn from each other. We're all on the same page, whether we realize it or not, whether we're blue, black, yellow, green, short, tall, whatever. We're all the same and we need to be on the same page.”

Marilyn Shannon
Marilyn Shannon is an experienced speaker, author, coach, and facilitator. Her messages are always impactful and holistic in nature, fun and informative. She is the number one selling author for her book series, "In Just One Afternoon - Listening into the hearts of...". Thus far, she has released books about Men, Twins, Millennials, People Impacted by Opioid Addiction and Black Fathers. Future book topics include divorcees, families who have lost children, the greatest generation, and many more. Marilyn believes that the best coaches are those that have lived their own lives, have triumphed, and faced the challenges and opportunities that life has in store. Marilyn also believes that being a great speaker and author takes those same challenges and opportunities. Her experiences have helped her develop a sense of what life means and what is available to us when we are authentic and listen deeply.
• Marilyn Shannon
• In Just One Afternoon
• Free Conflict Training Video
• The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freedland
• Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
• MSNBC
• PRISM
• Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

From Trauma to Triumph: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment at 50+

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Janelle Anderson, a successful speaker, author and confidence coach., to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Before she was a successful speaker, author and confidence coach, Janelle had been brutally raped and found herself in Las Vegas being trafficked by the man she went on to marry. She carried a burden of shame for decades and it was only in midlife that she awakened to how her past was impacting her ability to find her life’s purpose.

Janelle says, “If I could talk to my 30-year-old self, I would tell her to find a safe place and share your story now. Don't wait till you're 50 something.”

In this show, Janelle shares with us how at 55 she embarked on an immersive healing process that allowed her to find new confidence and a new mission in life.

Janelle Anderson
Janelle Anderson is a speaker, author, and confidence coach for women entrepreneurs helping them to own their expertise, monetize their message and attract more clients. Janelle is the creator of Speak Confidently to Sell, her signature course focused on messaging and speaking with confidence, and the Monetize Your Message Mastermind program. Her book, Take Center Stage: Be the Star of Your Own Story, was released in January 2022.

• Janelle Anderson
• Free eBook: 5 Keys to Transform Self-Doubt into Fearless Confidence!
• Take Center Stage: Be the Star of Your Own Story by Janelle Anderson
• Virginia Tech
• Strength Finders
• Virgin River
• Wordscapes

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Sisterhood over 50: Sharing Opinions and Wisdom with Stacey Diffin-Lafleur

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Stacey Diffin-Lafleur, a skilled and talented marketing and communications specialist, to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

This is a special episode because Sherrilynne’s guest is her ‘big’ sister Stacey Diffin-Lafleur, a woman who’s been a profound influence in our host’s life as she observed Stacey stepping into each new phase of life. Sherrilynne first learned about fashion, make up and music (especially David Bowie) from her sister. She modelled how to have a successful marriage. And she demonstrated her unique way of balancing a career and family.

Perhaps not so coincidently, Stacey and Sherrilynne have taken similar career paths. Stacey is an award-winning social and digital marketing pioneer and a talented writer and editor. She’s lived her whole life in Ottawa, raising her sons here and building lifelong friendships that she has held dear through each decade.

Stacey says, “I have a lot of opinions and I share them quite freely! I get involved in a lot of stuff.” And she shares this energy in this interview.

Stacey Diffin-Lafleur
With more than two decades of advanced marketing experience, and as an award-winning social and digital media pioneer, Stacey is recognized as a professional marketing communications leader. Her career has traversed public, private and third sector organizations including major IT and telecommunications companies, international not for profits and federal government organizations, among others.
She lives in Ottawa with her husband and when not at work or at a music festival, she can be found poolside with her three granddaughters.
• Stacey Diffin-Lafleur
• Painkiller
• Severn Avenue School
• Kraft Dinner
• Manotick Food Cupboard
• Dry Shampoo

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Unveiling Your Power: Bridget Cook-Burch's Path to Purpose After 50

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Bridget Cook-Burch, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes New York Times & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Bridget Cook-Burch to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

She is the CEO and founder of YourInspiredStory.com and believes in the power of stories to change the world. Her clients call her The Book Whisperer and her powerful work has been showcased on Oprah, Dateline, CNN and in many more top tier media outlets.

In this interview she shares how her 50th birthday was a day that turned a corner for her and how, on that day she decided to take control, set goals for the impacts she wants to make with her life. And she shares how she’s shaping her own legacy each and every day.

She advises, “Stop being afraid to just be yourself. Let down the walls and the masks and simply step into who you are and into your own power.”

Bridget Cook-Burch
Bridget Cook-Burch’s clients call her “The Book Whisperer”. She is a New York Times & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, mentor, trainer, mamma-bear humanitarian, and speaker known for riveting stories of transformation. Her powerful work has been showcased on Oprah, Dateline, CNN, GMA, The History Channel, NPR and in People among many others. She is the CEO and Founder of YourInspiredStory.com. As a successful entrepreneur, Bridget has also owned and operated a multimillion-dollar trucking company, a phone book and a PR agency.
Bridget’s many national bestsellers include Divine Turbulence, The Witness Wore Red; Shattered Silence; Skinhead Confessions; Leading Women; and also Living Proof.
• Bridget Cook-Burch
• YourInspiredStory.com
• Tony Robbins
• Roosevelt “The Man in the Arena”
• Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz
• Rebel in Violet by Hannah R. Lyon
• Forth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• The Witness Wore Red: The 10th Wife who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice by Rebecca Musser & M. Bridget Cook
• Warren Jeffs
• Sheroes United
• Yuka
• Down Dog

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Thriving in the Midlife Balance of the Sandwich Generation

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 3 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes London-based freelance journalist Nicola O’Connell to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.
As a renowned healthcare and medical writer, Nicola has had hundreds of articles published in specialist trade and prestigious medical journals, and she regularly contributes to consumer media outlets.

In this interview she shares her experiences of being in the sandwich generation where she still has young children at home and is caring for her mother while juggling a demanding career and a busy life in London.
She advises, “There's some perceptions that you're meant to not be doing certain things once you reach a certain age. Never let anybody make you feel old. Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you’re too old for anything. Because you're not!”

Nicola O’Connell
Nicola O'Connell is a freelance editor and writer and communications consultant. She has over 25 years’ experience writing features, news reports, newsletters, brochures, case studies, news releases, and more. She has also managed and participated in numerous communications and PR campaigns. As a renowned healthcare/medical writer, Nicola has had hundreds of articles published in specialist trade and prestigious medical journals, and she regularly contributes to consumer media outlets. She also has significant writing experience in the financial services, management, training, security, beauty and fashion sectors.
• Nicola O’Connell
• The Sandwich Generation
• People who Knew Me by Kim Hooper
• What’s App
• Google Maps

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Grace, Resilience, and Empowerment: Unveiling Isabelle Fortin's Journey to Inspire Women Over 50

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Isabelle Fortin, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Montreal-based mindset coach Isabelle Fortin to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.
Losing her mother when she was just five years old meant Isabelle learned young how to be strong and resilient, something that held her in good stead when she faced her own life-threatening illness…ovarian cancer. Following a successful career in Canada’s military she became a massage therapist and now, as a mindset facilitator she helps her clients match their work with who they really are.

In this interview she shares her life’s journey and her lessons to help women over 50 live their very best lives. She advises: “Give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself. You did what you could. You played with the hand that you were dealt. Give yourself grace.”

Isabelle Fortin
Isabelle Fortin is a standout mindset facilitator, entrepreneur, and public speaker. Her journey is marked by determination and creativity. Through Izzy Fortin Coaching, she uses her experiences and insights to help others grow professionally and personally.
• Isabelle Fortin
• Izzy Fortin Coaching
• 21-Day Mind Your Happiness Program
• Your Future Self Now by Benjamin Hardy, Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• The West Wing
• iTunes
• Subtle Art of Not giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
• NLP
• EFT

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Embracing the 'New Fire' of Life: Author Alison Wearing's Aztec Wisdom for Your 50s

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Alison Wearing, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes best-selling, multiple award-winning author, playwright and performer Alison Wearing to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Alison’s critically acclaimed book, Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter: Growing up with a Gay Dad, was a National Bestseller and selected as an Indigo “Top 50 Books of 2013.” Her solo play based on this memoir has also won top awards in virtually every festival in which it has appeared.

Alison has lived and traveled all over the world, from the Amazon rainforest to the Middle East and the former Soviet Union to Sri Lanka. She wrote a bestselling memoir, Honeymoon in Purdah, about her journey and provided glimpse into the culture and people of Iran.

Alison is also a memoir writing coach who guides retreats and is the creator and facilitator of Memoir Writing Ink, an online program that guides people through the process of transforming personal stories into memoir.

In this interview she shares what she learned from Aztec culture about life in your 50s. She says, “In Aztec cultural, 52 is called new fire. It's the year of new fire. And when I turned 52, I was living in Mexico, and I had a big birthday party to celebrate the new fire in me. It was very special.”

Alison Wearing
Alison Wearing is a bestselling, multiple award-winning author, playwright, and performer. Her books have been nominated for the RBC Taylor Prize, shortlisted for the Edna Staebler Award for Creative Nonfiction, selected as an Indigo Top Pick, and become national bestsellers. Her essays and stories have been awarded the National Magazine Award Gold Medal, Western Magazine Award 1st Prize, and been a finalist for the Journey Prize. Her numerous theatre awards include Best Dramatic Script at New York City’s United Solo, the largest festival of solo theatre in the world.

Alison is the creator and facilitator of Memoir Writing Ink, an interactive online program that guides people through the process of transforming personal stories into memoir.

Alison was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. She bolted out of town (and country) at the age of seventeen and spent the next twelve years studying, living and travelling throughout Europe, the Middle East, the former Soviet Union, the Amazonian regions of Ecuador and Peru, and across Siberia and Mongolia to China.
• Alison Wearing
• Memoir Writing Ink
• Alison’s Performances
• You could make this place beautiful by Maggie Smith
• The Amy Award
• UNHCR
• Sierra Club
• Tree Canada
• David Suzuki Foundation
• The School of Life
• Alain De Botton
About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Thriving in Business at Any Age: Ann Carden’s Inspiring Story

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Ann Carden, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Ann Carden, business growth consultant and author to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.
Ann Carden has more than forty-one years of business, marketing, and sales experience with over thirty years as an entrepreneur. She has built seven successful businesses (selling five) and is the current owner of two. Ann is also a three-time published author and her latest book is a #1 international bestseller. She’s the host of her own podcast "Expert In You."

In this interview she shares her insights on running a business when your husband is retired and about how life keeps getting better with every passing year. She says, “We are a younger, older generation and I do not feel like I’m 63! I can't even believe I'm that age. I felt the same way when I turned 50.”

Ann Carden
With more than 40 years of business, marketing, sales & management experience and coaching and consulting hundreds of coaches, entrepreneur’s and owners in over 50 different industries to more success, Ann knows what it takes to succeed in all areas of business.
As the Founder and CEO of A. Carden Inc. and the Expert In You Brand and programs, Ann is passionate about helping others in business thrive and succeed.
Ann has been featured on the affiliates of ABC, NBC, CW and FOX, among many other media outlets. Her articles have been published in Small Business Trendsetters and Business Innovators Magazine, and she has been a featured guest on multiple podcasts.
Ann was also chosen as one of the top coaches in the world by Six Figure Coach Magazine and recently inducted into the prestigious Who’s Who In America and Who’s Who In America for Professional Women.
• Ann Carden
• Expert in You podcast
• Expert in You book
• The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers Guide to Happiness, Confidence and Success by Dan Sullivan
• $100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff by Alex Hormozi
• John C Maxwell
• Divine Nest
• Samaritan’s Purse

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Empowering Women in Perimenopause: Dyna Vink's Inspiring Journey

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Dyna Vink, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 5 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Certified health and nutrition coach Dyna Vink joins Sherrilynne Starkie in episode two of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their fifth decade.

When her successful career in the technology industry ended abruptly at age 51, Dyna innovated a new career path where she could have a positive impact on others. She founded Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle to help women struggling with symptoms of perimenopause restore their vitality and improve their quality of life.

In this interview, she shares her lemons to lemonade story and tells us why she’s dedicated to lifting the veil of secrecy that surrounds menopause.

She explains what perimenopause is and how her own experience was 13 years of feeling unwell and not being offered any kind of useful advice or treatment from doctors, nutritionists nor fitness experts. She had determined to figure it our and researched it herself. The result is her own innovative lifestyle framework based on food as medicine, restorative sleep, appropriate movement and a positive mindset.

About Dyna Vink:
Following a successful career in the tech sector, Dyna founded her company Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle to help women in perimenopause overcome their symptoms to feel well every day and lead happy, productive lives.
Resources & Contact Information:
• About Dyna Vink
• Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle
• Dyna’s free offer
• Dyna on Facebook
• Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
• Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
• Operation Angus by Terry Fallis

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and looks forward to learning from the women she will interview.
Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

Over 50 and Embracing Life's New Chapters: Kathy Buckworth on Grandparenting and Beyond

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

We are now deep in the throes of Summer 2023 and that means I’m taking my foot off the gas and am trying to relax a little. While I’m spending some time travelling and visiting family, please enjoy this encore presentation of one of my most popular episodes…

Award winning author and media personality Kathy Buckworth joins Sherrilynne Starkie in episode five of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their sixth decade.

Kathy is the author of six non-fiction books about family life and motherhood and has been an influencer and broadcaster on parenting issues for more than 20 years. When she became a grandmother, she turned her focus to addressing the challenges and opportunities that grandparents face. She’s a regular on CTV TV and hosts the “Go to Grandma” show on Zoomer Radio.

“If you’re not happy, you can change things in your life pretty quickly,” advises Kathy. “You can start making changes at any time in your life. You are never really stuck no matter your age.”

In this interview, Kathy shares her mission to change the narrative about grandparenting. Her goal is to break the stereotypical view of the older generation as past it, doddering or old fashioned. Today’s grandparents are healthy, active and living life to the fullest.

About Kathy Buckworth:
Kathy Buckworth is an award-winning writer, spokesperson, content creator and media personality. She is the author of six non-fiction books which have been translated into Chinese, Indonesian and other languages. She’s a two-time winner of the Professional Writers Association of Canada Award for Excellence in Humour and is the recipient of the Mississauga Arts Award for Established Literary Arts. She has recently completed her second novel and is also working on a new screenplay. Her show Go To Grandma airs weekly on Zoomer Radio and is available as a podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Resources & Contact Information:
• About Kathy Buckworth
• Go To Grandma
• Kathy’s Books
• Tory Halpin
• Sharon, Lois & Bram on TikTok
• Managing in the Messy Middle, by Ann Douglas
• Fairy Tale, by Stephen King
• Run for the Cure
• BritBox
• AcornTV
• Feed Ontario
• Waze
About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:
Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and looks forward to learning from the women she will interview.
Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

Empowering Women Over 50: Overcoming Workplace Bias and Building Resilient Careers with Dr. Helen Ofosu, PhD.

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Helen Ofosu, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Dr. Helen Ofosu, PhD. to episode seven of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast to discuss why many women who are later in their careers are overlooked at work.

She is an I/O (industrial-organizational) psychologist providing HR consulting and executive and career coaching. She’s also an adjunct professor of psychology at Carleton University and is the author of the soon to be published book, How to be Resilient in Your Career: Facing up to Barriers at Work.

“Women who are over 50 years of age are often underestimated and can be passed over for promotions, especially if they don’t exhibit much ego or a big personality in the workplace,” explains Dr. Helen. “But there are steps they can take to ensure they are given new opportunities.”

In this interview, Dr. Helen also reflects on her own lived experience of building her successful career as a single mother and the challenges she faced, and she shares her vision for a happy (but busy!) retirement.

About Dr. Helen Ofosu, PhD:

Dr. Helen Ofosu, PhD. has more than 20 years experience as a I/O psychologist and is an expert in human behaviour in the workplace. Her company I/O Advisory provides a range of counselling and consulting services to organizations, executive leaders and other career minded individuals. She’s on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce and is an officer of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

She’s been cited as a subject matter expert by a range of news media outlets and her first book How to be Resilient in Your Career: Facing up to Barriers at Work is due out in early 2023.Dr. Helen lives with her partner and son in Ottawa, and in her spare time she loves boating and spending time with her family and friends.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

Embracing Love and Sex after 50

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Ann Bell, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Certified Relationship Coach & Sex Expert Ann Bell to episode 14 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Ann’s 50th birthday gave her a sense of urgency about ‘getting stuff done’. So, she sold up and went travelling for two years to live out her own ‘Eat Pray Love’ around the world travel experience. Then she retrained and refocused her career and has launched a whole new business to help women find the love, sex and rewarding relationships they need and deserve.

“As women over 50 come through menopause and they have so many questions about sex, love and relationships,” explains Ann. “For many, their sex lives might not be what they want, but there’s a lot they can do to change that.”

In this interview, Ann discusses what she learned travelling the world as a single, over 50 woman. She offers some important advice and practical tips about relationships and sex for post menopausal women.

About Ann Bell :

As a certified relationship coach and sex expert Ann Bell helps women uncover their sense of self, become connected and discover their full potential in self-development. In her many years working as a registered massage therapist Ann observed the mental, emotional, and relationship health of many of the clients needed addressing and this inspired her to start her coaching business: A Confidential Conversation.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and looks forward to learning from the women she will interview. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

Over 50 and Balancing Success with Happiness

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Julie Ellis, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 8 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes author and executive coach Julie Ellis to episode 18 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Julie is a serial entrepreneur and an angel investor who has taken several start up companies past Series A funding into high performing enterprises. She’s learned a lot about business and life along the way and put that wisdom into her first book for women entrepreneurs who want to achieve great things. Published last year, the book is called Big Gorgeous Goals and it’s now available as an audio book for the first time on Audible.

Julie is someone who reached the top of her career and achieved her dream of flipping her business and yet, she was surprised when she felt sad and a sense of loss when it was gone. In this interview, she talks about learning to be kinder and gentler with ourselves as being the key to both business success as well as overall happiness.

“Remember,” she says, “When we look at people who do big, amazing things, what we are actually seeing is the highlights reel. We're seeing all the good things, the outcomes, the great successes. What is not being shown is all the hard work that came before. We only see the tip of the iceberg.”

About Julie Ellis:

Julie Ellis is an executive coach to corporate leaders and scaling entrepreneurs. Her unique experience and expertise stems from 25 years of working first in the corporate world and then as a leading Canadian entrepreneur. She is a co-founder of the award-winning company Mabel’s Labels, one of Canada’s greatest small-business success stories. Her book, Big Gorgeous Goals is a manifesto and call to action for women to lift themselves, and each other, up by refusing to accept limitations and instead embracing an ethos of possibility.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Over 50 and Building Dreams and Riding Free

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Christine Lefebvre, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 1 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes business owner Christine Lefebvre, proprietor of Particular Paint & Paper to episode 12 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, where she talks about her rewarding career in the building trades and how she has found her place within a community of motorcyclists.

From the very start of working life, Christine has been in the building trades and often is the only woman on a jobsite. At weekends, you’ll find her touring the countryside on her 2019 Yamaha MT07 motorcycle.

Her fifties began with a double tragedy when she lost her mother and her boyfriend within a couple of months of each other. The grief and sorrow she suffered changed her fundamentally and made her see life from a different perspective. She’s now determined to take chances, have adventures and to live life to the very fullest. And it’s this attitude that has led Christine into a new relationship that she describes as the love of her life.

About Christine Lefebvre:

Christine Lefebvre is the proprietor of the residential painting company Particular Paint & Paper based in Ottawa. She is skilled in-home staging, painting, wallpaper, set design, and residential homes. Christine specializes in wallpaper removal and installation, painting, colour consultation and design and also in kids' rooms.

An experience motorcyclist, Christine rides a 2019 Yamaha MT07 and is a member of the WindSisters, a women’s motorcycle club and, in honour of her late partner, she cofounded the annual Epic Ride For Mental Health in support of The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Subscribe to

50 Women Over 50

wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

Over 50 and Unlocking Your Retirement Dreams

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie, Judith Cane) — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Canada’s Money Coach, Judith Cane to episode nine of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast to discuss the idea of retiring. What will you do and how will you finance it?

Judith has worked in financial services for decades. She’s helped hundreds of clients achieve their financial goals and objectives with her high-energy, straight-talking style.

“I'm extremely hopeful about retirement and the future,” explains Judith, “I'm looking forward to doing some fun things! My advice to women in their 50s is to start planning your retirement now. Set some goals for yourself. Because if you're stuck working in a mundane job because of the pension plan, life can be a lot better when you’re looking forward to the retirement of your dreams.”

In this interview, Judith explains how, by following her own advice, she and her husband are about to embark on their own retirement filled with travel and adventure. But not before having had some false starts and facing other sandwich generation concerns.

About Judith Cane:

As Canada’s Money Coach, Judith Cane supports her clients in creating their own bright, debt-free futures.She specializes in debt management, cash flow solution and financial planning for individuals, families and self-employed professionals.

Resources & Contact Information:

Judith Cane, Canada’s Money Coach
Enriched Academy
The Spoon Steeler by Leslie Crew
Nosy Parker by Leslie Crew
The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham
Christie Pits Riots
Maisy Dobbs Mysteries by Jacqueline Windspear

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

Picturing Strength: Unveiling Life at 50 and Beyond

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Anna Epp, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Professional portrait photographer Anna Epp joins Sherrilynne Starkie in the first ever episode of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their sixth decade.

Anna provided inspiration for this podcast with her own project in which she set out to photograph 50 women over 50 before her own 50th birthday.

While the pandemic put pay to that deadline, Anna did eventually reach her goal of 50 portraits, plus a whole lot more. She’s now photographed more than 300 women and has learned a lot along the way about women and self confidence. She says that many of her subjects were brimming with confidence while others had lost it. Part of the project was about supporting women in recovering their sense of self as well as helping many to find it for the first time.

As for life after 50?Anna says she no longer has time for any ‘ridiculousness’. She now understands what she wants in life and won’t let that be compromised. Her advice to other women is to learn to forgive yourself and move on. She says, “Have the wisdom to accept that you’ve made a mistake or failed in some way, learn from and go forward with a smile on your face.”

About Anna Epp:

Anna knew at an early age she wanted to be a photographer. Purchasing her first camera at age 12, she started documenting family, friends and school activities. She founded Anna Epp Photography some 13 years ago and has never looked back. She’s photographed thousands of people over the course of her highly successful career. She believes that portraits empower people and having one in your home raises your personal self esteem.

Resources & Contact Information:

About Anna Epp
Anna Epp on Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn
Anna’s 50 Over 50 Project
Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends.

From Divorce to Inner Peace: A Journey of Resilience and Optimism at 50

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie, Candace Sampson) — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

We are now deep in the throes of Summer 2023 and that means I’m taking my foot off the gas and am trying to relax a little. While I’m spending some travelling and visiting family, please enjoy this encore presentation of one of my most popular episodes…

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes radio and TV personality Candace Sampson to the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Candace entered her fifties as she was going through a divorce of epic proportion which left her living in rented accommodation with her two teenage daughters and feeling she had very little autonomy over her own life. She felt sad and angry. And yet, she has come through it all feeling quietly confident. She’s found an inner calmness and happiness and she knows that she’s prepared for whatever life might throw at her.

“I’m enjoying this time of life. It's quiet. It's peaceful. I don't need a lot right now,” explains Candace. “I'm really happy. I've come through a lot, and I feel prepared for whatever life might throw at me down the road.”

In this interview, Candace explains how the four-year divorce ordeal actually turned out to be a bit of a blessing as a journey of self discovery and personal growth. She’s loving her life these days and has nothing but optimism for her future.

About Candace Sampson:

Radio and TV personality Candace Sampson has been advocating for and representing women across Canada for over a decade sharing her self-deprecating humour on Canada’s popular YMC, her passion for travel and food on her website, Life in Pleasantville, and as a TV and radio personality. She’s the host of the weekly talk radio show and podcast What She Said where she aims to inspire and uplift women.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Over 50 And Flipping The Script

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie, Agnes Knowles) — Tue, 4 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

This is a special episode for you because the person in the hot seat is your host Sherrilynne Starkie. In episode 19 Sherrilynne welcomed Agnes Knowles, host of the Boomer Woman podcast, 50 Women Over 50. Then Agnes invited Sherrilynne to be a guest on her show. Sherrilynne expected to talk about her podcast project, but she didn’t expect Agnes to ask all the questions that she usually has her own guests answer!

Thank you to Agnes Knowles for allowing her show to be shared with the listeners of 50 Women over 50.

The Boomer Women Podcast

2023 is the 4th Season of The Boomer Woman’s Podcast, formerly the Two Boomer Women Podcast.

Each episode is a conversation between Agnes Knowles, your host – and a guest who talks to a subject that, someway, somehow, is relatable to Boomer Women. The guests can be any age, any gender, as long as their message is positive, informative, pertinent to our demographic. You, dear listener, might need to be open-minded, curious, tolerant, inclusive… and if you are, you will enjoy these conversations, maybe learn something, and I encourage you to share each and any episode.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Harmonizing with Hidden Truths

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Tina Davidson, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Tina Davidson, acclaimed American composer and author to episode 38 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Her music stands out for its emotional depth and lyrical dignity. It’s a style that’s been informed by a traumatic childhood shrouded in secrets and Tina has explored this in her recently published memoir “Let Your Heart Be Broken.”

In this interview Tina talks about how secrets from long ago can have a real power over you, your whole lifetime. She shares her personal story and explains how today she still feels the impacts of something that happened a very long time ago when she was just an infant.

TINA DAVIDSON

Tina Davidson is a highly regarded American composer. Lauded for her authentic voice, The New York Times praised her “vivid for harmony and colors.” OperaNews called her works "transfigured beauty." Tina Davidson has been commissioned and performed by well-known ensembles such as National Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, OperaDelaware, VocalEssence, Kronos Quartet, and Cassatt Quartet, and most recently by Grammy Award-winning violinist, Hilary Hahn.

Ms. Davidson’s talents have been recognized through the awarding of a number of grants and fellowships, including the prestigious Pew Fellowship, the largest such grant in the USA for which an artist can apply. She was born in Stockholm, Sweden and grew up in Oneonta, NY, and now lives in central Pennsylvania.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Making Life Great After 50

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Marie Fitzpatrick, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes a true leader of the Canadian communications profession, Marie Fitzpatrick to episode 37 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Marie has enjoyed a long and storied career, first as a journalist then as a public relations advisor. She is a divorced mother of two adult children and is not in a relationship although she is actively dating and loves meeting new people and making friends.

In this interview Marie describes living life on her own terms. She shares her experience of dating over 50 and advises on the importance of having fun every single day.

Marie Fitzpatrick, ABC

Marie Fitzpatrick, ABC, is a mother, a journalist, a volunteer, a writer, and an award-winning communications professional. She currently volunteers as the Chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada East Region.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Embracing New Beginnings

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Barbara Ann Mojica, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Historian Barbara Ann Mojica, author of the Little Miss History children’s books to episode 36 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

After a long and successful career as a teacher and education leader, Barbara found herself divorced after a 30-year marriage. But she wasn’t alone for long before she met the man who would become her husband and collaborator. She says that now that she’s in her 60s she’s never been happier in her whole life.

In this interview Barbara tells us how she navigated the journey from her life as an educator, wife and mother to becoming a celebrated children’s author in collaboration with her new husband. You’ll see, she’s never left her love of teaching very far behind.

Barbara Ann Mojica

Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator.

Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, she makes learning history a fun-filled adventure. Barbara firmly believes, "If you don't know your history, you don't know what you're talking about."

Barbara Ann Mojica

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 yet never to be a grumpy German grandma

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Brigitta Hoeferle, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 6 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Brigitta Hoeferle CEO of the Centre of NLP, one of the world’s largest self-development companies to episode 35 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Brigitta hails from Germany, where, as a kid, she felt the other children never really liked her. She wanted something better than that for her own children, so she emigrated to the United States and set up her own Montessori Nursery School.

Now in her 50s Brigitta continues to take life on her own terms. She says, “I'm unapologetically me and the older I grow, the more I realize what that really means! Because I have everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

In this interview Brigitta discusses her philosophy for aging with dignity, while still having a lot of fun.She has no intention of becoming an old, grumpy German grandma!

Brigitta Hoeferle:

As a powerfully engaging and professional international speaker, Brigitta is known as the fast-tracked female trainer and retired lead coach of one of the largest self-development companies in the world.

As leading mentor, executive coach and author she has been invited to speak on
stages around the world and train executives in the leading methodologies of powerful communication, in the form of Neuro Patterns of Communication for their personal and business life.

Her degrees in marketing, communication, social pedagogy and education science validate her expertise, logic and knowledge, but it is her creativity, humanity and passion which really makes her stand out and lead other credible high quality leaders.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Focusing on Faith Over Fear

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes author and certified financial coach Patti Handy to episode 34 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

As a divorced mother, Patti has learned firsthand that a marital breakdown can be financially devastating. She raised her son single-handedly while working as a financial advisor and then at age 62, a time when many people are thinking of retiring, she’s made a career pivot and has started a whole new business helping women especially those who are divorced, widowed or single, learn how to manage their finances.

Patti focuses on living in faith over fear. She says, “My life experiences have made me smarter, wiser, more intuitive. I trust myself more. I fall back on my intuition too, but really focus on living in faith over fear and just trusting that things are working out the way they're supposed to.”

In this interview Patti discusses taking on life over 50 with boundless energy, optimism and a deep faith that will set up her new venture for success and will, no doubt, bring much prosperity to her clients too.

Patti Handy :

As a former Financial Advisor and Mortgage Advisor, Patti has had countless conversations with women, specifically divorced, widowed and single women, who felt overwhelmed, embarrassed and frustrated when it came to their finances, investing and money. She’s a Certified Life Coach, Certified Executive Coach and published author of four books. With that said, soaring solo in life as a divorced, single mom, has taught her a lot.

Patti Handy
Patti’s books
Free Minding Her Money training and roadmap
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
How Women Rise by Salley Helgeson
Meals on Wheels
The Tapping Solutions app
Tony Robbins

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Transforming Trauma into Freedom

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Susan Gold, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes decorated endurance athlete and author Susan Gold to episode 33 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Susan’s new book, Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom is a powerful memoire of her own journey of growing up in a troubled home and using self empathy and kindness to heal and thrive.

She ended her marriage when she was 53 and entered process of self discovery. Writing her memoire was a part of it. She explains, “It was the way I navigated through that ending. I wrote him a six-figure check, he went on to his next source of supply and I walked into the gift of understanding my power, my accomplishments for the first time. My heart started to open authentically.”

In this interview Susan shares her lessons about kindness and empathy, especially towards yourself. She talks about remembering the child you once were and about forgiving yourself for mistakes you might have made and chances you didn’t take.

Susan Gold :

Navigating a ferociously challenging upbringing, while bravely moving forward as an adult to face ingrained, outdated, and patriarchal programming head-on, Susan Gold now shares a unique perspective in viewing life challenges as occasions for transformation. She’s excited to help others all over the globe transform their traumatic experiences into peace. Through her book, Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom, Susan turns the standard paradigm on its head courageously leading others through her own journey of abuse, addiction, and surviving narcissism all while creating a distinctly empowering personal and professional life.

Susan Gold
Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom
Quiet Marketing by Danielle M. Gardner
Age is a Mental State: An interview with Basia Vanderveen

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Starting a New Chapter

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Nancy Erickson, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 16 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Publisher Nancy Erickson, owner of Stonebrook Publishing and an award-winning book coach to episode 32 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

At age 50 Nancy left a bad marriage, got sober and walked away from a promising career at Oracle, the world’s third largest software company. Now 65, she says she’s in the prime of her life.

She explains, “About 90 per cent of life is about showing up. When you're in a troubled situation, know that you can walk out of it into something better by getting up every day and showing up. Just walk out of your troubles step by step and when you follow the things that you're interested in, it's amazing where it can lead.”

In this interview she shares with us her optimistic view of the future where each of us offers hope and help to others by simply telling our own stories about what we have discovered in life.

Nancy Erickson :

Nancy Erickson is the owner of two book-related businesses, The Book Professor® and Stonebrook Publishing, an award-winning nonfiction publishing house. In 2022, she was named a Top 10 Book Coach in the US by The Coach Federation. She coaches business professionals to become authors of high-impact nonfiction books that will establish them as experts in their fields, increase their credibility, help attract a following, and expand their business.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Eating Brownies for Breakfast

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Lynne Bowman, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 9 May 2023 13:38:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Lynne Bowman, author of the bestselling cookbook “Brownies for Breakfast” to episode 31 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Lynne Bowman shares her wisdom about the post menopausal diet and how to fight that creeping weight gain. She also offers incredible insight about finding success after 50 on her own terms, pioneering working from her home, long before the rest of the world was forced to stay away from the office.

She generously advises us about the advantages of becoming women over 50 and invisible. Lynne says it’s actually a superpower that we should all celebrate because it allows us to transition from always being preyed upon towards a life free of expectations about who we are and what we should be.

In this interview she shares with us her story of a life of two halves: one ‘working for the man’ and the other, living on her own terms.

Lynne Bowman :

Lynne Bowman, author of Amazon best-seller "Brownies for Breakfast," has won national awards as a creative director for Silicon Valley companies, and has worked as an actress, makeup artist, screenwriter, illustrator, legal journalist, wedding planner and television weather person. She has three grown children, two grandchildren, and is president of The Pescadero Community Foundation. She and her husband have a small farm on the coast of Northern California.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50: Rethinking Divorce and Finding Happiness

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie, Heather Marasse) — Tue, 2 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes leadership expert Heather Marasse to episode 30 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Heather Marasse, is Sherrilynne’s former client and is a fellow podcaster. Her 50s were about breaking patterns. She broke relationship patterns with her husband, her daughters and her employer. In fact, she went quite a bit down the road towards a divorce before reconsidering and reconciling with her husband.

She says she learned to slow down and trust her inner whisper. “We have a lot of inner noise voices and the ones that were the loudest for me, were all about work hard and provide for the family; be a good mom and wife; be a good daughter, good business partner and a leader in the business,” she explains. “All of these pushy voices. And until I took a pause and started slowing down, I couldn't hear the kinder voices inside of me that were saying it's okay to rest. It's okay to tell the truth about your marriage.”

In this interview she shares with us her story of second chances and how she fell back in love with her one and only.

Heather Marasse:

Heather Marasse, executive coach and leadership development consultant is known for her grounding presence, community orientation and focus on action.

Heather was drawn to leadership and organizational development after experiencing its impact first-hand as a leader in marketing, product development and change-management in the telecom sector. The impact of Heather’s work extends far beyond standard ROI metrics, as organizations testify again and again that they would never have pursued paths that brought them to success were it not for her wisdom, guidance, and realism.

Heather Marasse
Being Human Is Good For Business
We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
Armchair Expert Podcast with Dax Shepherd
Time Team with Tony Robinson
Otto Sharmer

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Coming Out to Embrace Her True Self

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Kirsten Beske, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes clinical psychotherapist and transition coach Kirsten Beske to episode 29 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Kirsten started out adult life as a corporate lawyer married to a wonderful guy and by 50 she’d become a psychotherapist, got divorced and fell in love with a fantastic woman. Then, just as she was approaching the empty nest stage of life, Kirsten doubled down on parenthood by adopting a seven-year-old little girl.

In this interview she talks us through the many dramatic turns and twists in her life and shares with us the lessons she learned along the way.

Her advice to her 30-year-old self? “Stop trying to play with the guys. Just stop. You are never going to be one of the guys. It's always going to be an uphill battle and life is too short,” she says. “Just lean into who you are and find the people that are going to love you for who you are instead of you trying to pretend to be this other way.”

About Kirsten Beske:

Kirsten Beske, Founder of AProPositive LLC and Kirsten Beske Coaching is a Mindset and Transformation expert, helping professionals and entrepreneurs break through invisible inner barriers to attain more clarity, impact and ease in life and business. A Harvard graduate, she is an experienced psychotherapist and mindset coach specializing in helping women master their own internal world to achieve success. A former litigation attorney, she pivoted mid-career to align with her higher purpose and skillset. With over a decade as a clinical psychotherapist and now mindset coach, she serves others to expand, transform and attain their full, limitless potential.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Working to Overcome Her Husband’s Suicide

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Susan Murphy, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes TV news veteran Susan Murphy to episode 28 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Susan is now a voice coach and mentor working with broadcasters around the world. To be successful in network news takes a certain toughness and resilience, but nothing could have prepared her for the utter devastation of losing her husband who died by suicide when Susan was in her late 50s.

In this interview she discusses how she is putting her life back together little by little and is finding a new way forward.

“If you’re a married woman, you will be widowed one day. If you’re single, you will lose close friends along the way. So, finding your team now is important,” advises Susan. “There are certain people who will immediately flock to you in a time of crisis. They lift you up on the days you can't lift yourself and are there in the moments that no one else is. They remember you on the days when you think you've been forgotten. Those people are magical gifts from God.”

About Susan Murphy:

Susan Murphy has been in the broadcast industry for over 40 years having held senior editorial and on-air roles in radio and TV news and talk shows. She has been a college dean and instructor, a voice over artist and now offers services as a broadcast voice coach through her own business VOSOT: Better Broadcast Voices.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here. Thank you.

Over 50 and Discovering Life After Work

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Rona Maynard, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:32:49 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes author Rona Maynard to episode 27 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Rona’s successful career in publishing culminated as the editor of Chatelaine, Canada’s most popular women’s magazine. Soon after she had retired, Rona’s husband talked her into rescuing a little dog. Casey proved to be Rona’s muse and she’s recently published her third book, a memoir entitled Starter Dog: My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving this World.

In this interview Rona discusses how letting Casey into her life gave her a new way of seeing the world as she explores her neighbourhood on their daily walks, making new friends and discovering hidden beauty spots.

She shares how she felt about leaving the world of work. “At first, I did not know who I was anymore,” she explains. “Then you realise it's up to you alone to make your day meaningful. It is an opportunity to ask yourself, not how am I doing, but how am I interesting? What did I love about this day?”

About Rona Maynard :

Born in New Hampshire of Canadian parents, Rona Maynard went to the University of Toronto, where she met and married Paul Jones. A career in journalism, including a spell at Maclean’s, led in time to her becoming editor of Chatelaine in 1995, where she attracted a new generation of readers to the most enduringly successful magazine in Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband Paul and her dog Casey.

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and loves learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Alone for the First Time

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Corien Kershey, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 4 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes software brand strategist Corien Kershey Ph.D. to episode 26 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Corien is the owner of Brand Clarity, a successful management consulting firm that the puts the brand at the centre of strategy and whose clients include many household name brands and public sector organizations.

In this interview she discusses being a cancer survivor, the loneliness of becoming a widow, the continuing joy of motherhood and of becoming a grandmother. She also brings her unique feminist slant and pragmatism to life as a woman over 50.

She says, “How can we possibly move forward as women if we constantly point to our reproductive organs as the reason why this, and the reason why that? No, no, no, no, no!”

About Corien Kershey:

Corien Kershey Ph.D. has an extensive career in strategic leadership, marketing and communications, and in developing and executing successful brand strategies. Her company, Brand Clarity, provides clients with the opportunity to achieve crystal clear, focused messaging strategies that break through the loud noise of today’s marketing environment.

Resources & Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and looks forward to learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Over 50 and Living in Sobriety

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Kerri-Jane Diffin, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes software sales executive Kerri-Jane Diffin to episode 25 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

This is the halfway point of the podcasting project with interview 25. To mark this milestone today’s episode is a bit of a family affair because Sherrilynne’s guest is her sister Kerri-Jane, and the discussion gets really personal.

Kerri is celebrating 13 years of sobriety and her struggles with addiction are now behind her. She’s turned her life around and has learned a lot in the process.

Kerri advises us to continue to invest in every single relationship we value whether it’s with our spouse, a family member, a dear friend or a new acquaintance. She says that finding true happiness takes time and effort and that we should never take for granted any of the people in our lives.

About Kerri-Jane Diffin:

Kerri-Jane Diffin is an active member of the recovery community with 13 years of sobriety she shares her wisdom with those just starting out. In her day job she’s in software sales and she resides in Constance Bay, just west of Ottawa with her husband Marc and cat Misty.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a successful marketing and communications career and looks forward to learning from all the women she interviews. Subscribe to 50 Women Over 50 wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by subscribing here. If you’d like to be one of the 50 Women over 50 featured on this podcast apply by clicking here.

Success Over 50 Living on the Spectrum

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Larissa Russell, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes author and activist Larissa Russell to episode 24 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Larissa’s life was quite a struggle until when, at age 50, an autism diagnosis was a turning point. It helped her make sense of her life and is a big part of why she says that life in her 50s has been ‘amazing’.

Since her diagnosis, she’s become an entrepreneur, an international best-selling author, a feminist activist and an advocate for the LGBT+ community.

Larissa is a textbook example of how, for many women, life begins at 50. Her autism diagnosis brought her clarity and a new vision for her future. She says, “My whole life I was told I was THE problem. Now I know that I’m not the problem. I know now that the world doesn't work the way my brain works, and I need to navigate it differently.”

About Larissa Russell:

Larissa is an entrepreneur, international best-selling author, speaker, artist, educator, and coach. She is the Founder of Creative U Healing, an online coaching and learning platform that helps women step into their authenticity with the help of creativity. Larissa is also the founder of Queer Voicez, a not-for-profit organization that shares LGBT+ stories to help the LGBT+ youth know that they are not alone. Get her free 5 Best Tools for Healing with Creativity kit here.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Over 50 and Starting A New Literary Career

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Dr. Norma Dunning, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes celebrated author Dr. Norma Dunning to episode 23 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

She’s a woman who’s life took a whole new turn the year she turned 50. Norma had never been to university and wanted to try it. Within a few years she’d earned a PhD. in Indigenous Peoples Education and is now a professor at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Dunning’s story collection entitled Tainna: The Unseen Ones won the 2021 Governor General’s Award for English Fiction. Her latest book, Kinauvit?: What’s Your Name?, is an examination of Canada’s Eskimo Disc System and how it impacted Norma’s family.

In this interview Dr. Dunning talks about how becoming a grandmother changed her world view and spurred her into becoming an author. She says, “I never really had that desire to publish until I had grandchildren. Things become different and your values shift. For me it became important that my grandchildren knew their history.”

About Dr. Norma Dunning:

Dr Norma Dunning is an Inuk Canadian writer and a lecturer at the University of Alberta. Her writing accolades include the 2018 Danuta Gleed Literary Ward, 2018 Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s Howard O’Hagan Award and the 2021 Governor General’s Award for English Language Fiction. She has been shortlisted for the 2018 City of Edmonton Book Award and the 2022 ReLit Award for Short Fiction.

Of Inuit descent, Dr. Dunning was born in Quebec and raised in a variety of towns as her father was a member of the Canadian military. She is based in Edmonton, Alberta, where she completed her doctoral degree with Indigenous Peoples Education at the University of Alberta in June 2019.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Over 50 and Navigating the Messy Middle

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Ann Douglas, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 7 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes bestselling author Ann Douglas to episode 22 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

For decades Ann has been Canada’s go-to expert on all things parenting as the best-selling author of 25 non-fiction books. In her newest book, Navigating the Messy Middle: A Fiercely Honest and Wildly Encouraging Guide for Midlife Women, is based on interviews with 118 middle aged women and demystifies this important stage of life.

In this interview Ann discusses how women aged 50+ have spent decades of their lives accumulating wisdom and life experience and, she says that “it’s not ok that some people would love to shove them off stage at the very moment they’re reaching the peak of their abilities.”

She says, “Something we have learned along the way is to seize the day when things are going great. Savour that feeling. Make the most of it. You must enjoy the good times because none of us know what’s coming around the bend.”

About Ann Douglas:

Ann Douglas is an award-winning writer and bestselling author. She is the creator of The Mother of All Books series, which has sold over half a million copies in North America to date. She lives on Golden Lake in Ontario.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Over 50 and taking life’s reins

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sharon Jones, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes author and leadership trainer Sharon Jones to episode 21 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Sharon remembers her 50th birthday as a landmark day, because what happened changed the whole trajectory of her life. She shares the lessons she learned in her book, Tread Gently: For the Emotionally Clumsy.

In this interview Sherrilynne discovered that she and Sharon have a lot in common. Sharon has divided her adult life between Canada and Great Britain, had a successful agency career and, along the way, has learned many of the same life lessons of humility, accountability and responsibility.

Sharon discusses the importance of developing emotional intelligence and how, by gaining the self awareness she needed, she was able to take life's reins and chart her own journey to finally find happiness with husband No. 4.

About Sharon Jones:

Sharon Jones hails from Manchester, England and emigrated to Canada in 1997. Following a successful career in the advertising industry, she launched her company, Be a Better You, to provide emotional intelligence development training and coaching. She is also a partner in J&J Reining Inc, which promotes the sport of reining (horses) in Ontario. She is currently working on her second book, The Direct Perspective.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Over 50 and Blazing Trails for Accessibility in the Great Outdoors

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes author Marjorie Turner Hollman to episode 20 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Marjorie Turner Hollman celebrated turning 50 by getting married to a younger man! She has written four best-selling Easy Walks books and has recently released her fifth book, a personal memoir entitled, My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming Hope in a World Turned Upside Down.

Since life-saving surgery left her paralyzed on her right side almost 30 years ago, she’s been on a healing journey which included walking outdoor trails throughout New England. Her books focus on helping others, especially those with mobility challenges, get out and enjoy the outdoors.

In this podcast interview, Marjorie shares her wisdom and experience of recovery and a life of disability, the humility of being a welfare mom, how she learned to love again and about her journey to becoming a best selling author.

About Marjorie Turner Hollman:

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a mother, grandmother, wife and best-selling author. When she was left paralyzed after life-saving brain surgery some 30 years ago, Marjorie was sent on a healing journey and was able to regain her ability to walk with support. She went on to author five best selling Easy Walks books and now resides with her husband in Massachusetts.

Resources & Contact Information:

Contra Dancing
Meningioma
My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming Hope in a World Turned Upside Down, by Marjorie Turner Hollman
Easy Walks Books by Marjory Turner Hollman
Easy Walks Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Beyond Facebook Group
All Creatures Great and Small
Cozy Mysteries
All Trails App

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

An Over 50 Boomer in a Classic Red Chevrolet Corvair

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Agnes Knowles, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes podcaster Agnes Knowles to episode 19 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Agnes Knowles says she’s retired although she’s very busy and host of The Boomer Woman podcast and she continues to work as a fitness instructor and a carer for people with dementia in Victoria, B.C. on the west coast of Canada.

When the police showed up at her 50th birthday party, Agnes just took it in stride, much like she did everything about that milestone birthday. But she says, “Turning 60 knocked me for a loop. I woke up that morning and literally couldn’t get out of bed. It took me months to get over it.”

She credits the birth of her first grandchild as being pivotal in dragging her out of this funk along with her gratitude practice. Every day she finds something she is grateful for. Each morning she gets up and looks out the window at her amazing view and says thank you.

About Agnes Knowles:

Agnes Knowles is the host of the Listen Notes top 10% show, the Boomer Woman’s Podcast and is an advocate for over 50s women. The show is in its 4th season and appeals to anyone interested in issues affecting the Baby Boomer generation or who enjoys the art of conversation.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Life Over 50 with Big Gorgeous Goals

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Julie Ellis, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 7 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes author and executive coach Julie Ellis to episode 18 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

About Julie Ellis:

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Over 50 and Finding Meaning in Rape Trauma

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Greta McClain, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes executive director and founder of an organization called Silent No Longer Tennessee, Greta McClain to episode 17 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Greta is a former police officer who, in her late 40s, suffered a brutal sexual assault that left her suicidal. The ‘Me Too’ movement of 2017 gave her the inspiration to move forward with her life and her fifties have been an incredible journey from being a victim of crime to becoming a community leader and vocal women and victims advocate.

This interview includes references to rape and sexual violence which some listeners may find upsetting. I advise you to use your discretion in listening to this episode and I’ve included links to support services and resources below.

But overall, Greta’s story is one of courage, empowerment and hope. I’m very glad she accepted my invitation to come on the show because she shares so much wisdom.

“I should have been able to defend myself and for whatever reason, felt like I had let it happen, even though, I had the battle scars of trying to fight him off, explains Greta McClain. “I was ashamed and became depressed to the point that I was contemplating suicide. The reason why I share my story is because if a social media hashtag can save my life, then maybe me sharing my story can save someone else's life.”

About Greta McClain:

Executive Director and Founder Silent No LongerTennessee, Greta McClain is a former police officer, victims of crime coordinator and domestic violence outreach advocate and support group facilitator. She is also a two time survivor of sexual assault. After being raped in 2017 and having the #metoo movement literally save her life, she decided to give meaning to her trauma by sharing her story with others in hopes of helping them find hope and healing.

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Sherrilynne Starkie

started this show as a creative project with the goal of interviewing 50 women past their 50th birthday to learn how they see the world, what lessons they’ve learned and what advice they have for us all. She’s been blogging and podcasting for 18+ years as part of a

successful marketing and communications career

and looks forward to learning from the women she will interview. Subscribe to

50 Women Over 50

wherever you get your podcasts and please share it with your friends. Get each weekly episode dropped into your inbox by

subscribing here.

Over 50 and Getting a Divorce

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Candace Sampson, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes radio and TV personality Candace Sampson to episode 16 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Candace entered her fifties as she was going through a divorce of epic proportion which left her living in rented accommodation with her two teenage daughters and feeling she had very little autonomy over her own life. She felt sad and angry. And yet, she has come through it all feeling quietly confident.She’s found an inner calmness and happiness and she knows that she’s prepared for whatever life might throw at her.

Listen here:

About Candace Sampson:

Resources & Contact Information:

About the 50 Women Over 50 Podcast:

Navigating Life As An Over 50 Widow

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Rita Rich, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes award winning newscaster Rita Rich to episode 15 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

Rita’s husband, fellow broadcaster Chuck Rich, was 12 years older than her when they got married in the 1980s. And as she entered her fifth decade, Rita’s career took a back seat as she became the primary carer for her aged parents-in-law. A short time after they both passed, Rita also lost the love of her life. Chuck died suddenly, and she found herself on her own for the first time ever.

“You go into a sense of shock. You'll always love them, but it takes a while to fall out of love,” explains Rita. “It’s one of those stages of mourning that I think people don't get until they're in it.”

In this interview, Rita describes her grief of suddenly becoming a widow. She tells us why she went back to broadcasting and shares her hopes for the future for her nation.

About Rita Rich:

Award winning newscaster Rita Rich is the producer for the Rich Valdés America at Night show on Westwood One, the largest radio network in America. For many years she was the News Director and News Anchor on WNAV Annapolis. She has also held senior roles within client teams at Washington D.C. public relations agencies along with journalist and production roles at two USA national broadcasters. Her company Flatlands Avenue Productions provides a range of PR and podcast production services.

Resources & Contact Information:

Rita Rich
Flatlands Avenue Productions
Rich Valdés America at Night
The Nazi Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

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Over 50 and Traveling Around The World Alone

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Certified Relationship Coach & Sex Expert Ann Bell to episode 14 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast.

About Ann Bell :

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Over 50 And Living Well With HIV

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Martina Clark, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 3 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes award-winning author, educator and public health activist Martina Clark to episode 13 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast. Diagnosed with HIV at 28 years of age, Martina thought she’d be lucky to live five more years. Today, she’s 58, living well and loving life! She says her fifth decade has been her happiest and most productive so far.

“I’m among the very first people with HIV to reach this golden age,” she explains. “I feel lucky to be here and appreciate each day.”

In this frank interview, Martina shares her journey through life from her diagnosis, to becoming a public health activist, having an international career with the United Nations, and following her dream of becoming a writer. She describes aging with HIV and shares her hopes and dreams for the future.

About Martina Clark:

Martina Clark is an activist with more than two decades of global public health and social mobilization around HIV. Following a mid-life career change, she is now an award-winning author and educator.Her first book My Unexpected Life: An International Memoir of Two Pandemics, HIV and COVID-19 is now available as an audio book.

Following a successful career at the United Nations, she is now an Adjunct Lecturer at LaGuardia Community College and volunteers as a mentor for young women writers.

Resources & Contact Information:

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Top 10 Books for Women Over 50

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie is taking a holiday break from interviews for the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, and instead has prepared a little Christmas Cracker prize—2022’s top 10 books for women over 50 as recommended by podcast guests. Here they are:

You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero was recommended by professional photographer Anna Epp in Episode 1.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. By Brené Brown as recommended by Certified Health and Nutrition Coach Dyna Vynk in Episode 2.
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr. Organizational Design Consultant and Executive Coach Mary Daly recommended this in Episode 3.
In Episode 5, award winning Author and Media Personality Kathy Buckworth recommended Navigating the Messy Middle: A Fiercely Honest and Wildly Encouraging Guide for Midlife Women by Ann Douglas.
In Episode 6, Ottawa Floral Designer and owner of Rebel Petal, Michelle VandenBosch recommended The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son of Life, Love and Loss by Anderson Cooper.
Lawrence Hill’s Beatrice and Croc Hairy was suggested by Industrial Psychologist Dr. Helen Ofosu PhD., in Episode 7.
Julie Cole, author and co-founder of Mabel’s Labels gave a shout out to Author Julie Ellis’s Big Gorgeous Goals in Episode 8.
Canada’s Money Coach Judith Cane recommended Nosy Parker by Leslie Crew in Episode 9.
Maybe I Don’t Belong Here by David Harewood was chosen in Episode 10 by Hilary Seabrook, a professional saxophonist and podcaster.
In episode 11, Financial counsellor Pamela George recommended Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear.

Happy Holidays

As 2022 draws to a close, I want to thank all my guests and listeners for supporting this project.I’ve done 12 interviews so far and hope that by September 2023 I’ll have completed all my interviews with 50 Women Over 50. I’ve learned so much already and I look forward to the season ahead.

I wish everyone all the best for a happy and prosperous New Year.

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Over 50 and Finally on A Good Road

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

About Christine Lefebvre:

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Over 50 with Hopeful Plans for Fun and Happiness

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Pamela George, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes financial counsellor Pamela George to episode 11 of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, where she explains how being considered and strategic about all aspects of life has been crucial to her success and happiness.

Pamela’s goal is to educate and empower women to gain control of their finances so they might live their lives to the fullest. From humble beginnings in Trinidad, Pamela has fought poverty and prejudice. She worked her way through university to gain a business degree and has enjoyed a flourishing career. Now in her fifties, she’s giving other women the tools they need to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

In this interview, Pamela recalls watching the sunrise on the morning of her 50th birthday. Then and there she embraced the new era of her life with intense hope and is taking on her fifth decade with energy and ambition.

Listen here:

About Pamela George:

Pamela George is the CEO of Sand Dollar Financial Literacy Counselling based in Ottawa. She provides coaching and training to help women gain control of their finances to pay off debt, build budgets and save for the future. She’s the author of Three Little Piggy Banks, a children’s storybook that promotes financial literacy and is recognized by Credit Counselling Canada as one of the best books for teaching kids about money.

She is a much sought-after media commentator and has been featured in a range of top-tier media outlets including CBC, MoneySense Magazine, Canadian Business Magazine, the Financial Post, the National Post, Canada Press, the Toronto Star, the Ottawa Citizen and Flare Magazine.

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Over 50 with much style and wise counsel

Tue, 6 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes professional saxophonist and member of Paul Weller’s The Style Council, Hilary Seabrook to episode ten of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast where she shares the highs and lows and lessons of a fifth decade that has been filled with serious health concerns but still has left her filled with hope and feeling optimistic for her future.

Since touring with one of the UK’s top 80s bands, Hilary’s life has been filled with artistic and creative endeavours and today she’s the host of the popular Harmonious World podcast where each week she interviews world class musicians composers and producers across all genres. She’s also a successful freelance writer working with a range of UK clients.

Hilary’s fifth decade had a terrible start when at her 50th birthday party she had an accident which left her injured. This was followed by surgeries and a cancer diagnosis and then years of treatment.

In this interview Hilary explains her recent name change and how, as she approaches her 60th birthday, she’s optimistic and excited for a future filled with potential as she takes on more creative projects.

About Hilary Seabrook:

Hilary Seabrook (Robertson) is a professional saxophonist who was part of one of the UK’s top 80s bands, Paul Weller’s The Style Council. Since that time, she’s pursued her successful music career along with becoming an elementary school teacher and professional writer. She’s now the host of Harmonious World, a popular music industry podcast.

Resources & Contact Information:

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Over 50 and Planning For Retirement

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Judith Cane, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Canada’s Money Coach, Judith Cane to episode nine of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast to discuss the idea of retiring. What will you do and how will you finance it?

Judith has worked in financial services for decades. She’s helped hundreds of clients achieve their financial goals and objectives with her high-energy, straight-talking style.

About Judith Cane:

Resources & Contact Information:

Judith Cane, Canada’s Money Coach
Enriched Academy
The Spoon Steeler by Leslie Crew
Nosy Parker by Leslie Crew
The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham
Christie Pits Riots
Maisy Dobbs Mysteries by Jacqueline Windspear

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What should an Over 50 Mom of Six do for ‘Me Time’?

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes award winning entrepreneur and best-selling author Julie Cole to episode eight of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast to discuss the concept of ‘me time’ and what it means to an over 50 mom of six who is an internationally renowned business executive.

Julie is a former lawyer who, with a few ‘mom’ friends, co founded Mabel’s Labels, North America’s leading provider of kids label products. She’s also the author of the best-selling book, Like A Mother: Birthing Business, Babies and a Life Beyond Labels.

“I don’t need people telling me that I need to relax more. Don’t tell me to go for a manicure or to get a massage or in any way project how you relax on to me,” exclaims Julie. “Because quite honestly, this is me winding down. I love this. My work is so enjoyable that it feels like ‘me time’ to me!”

In this interview, Julie reflects on her shift from a law career into entrepreneurship because it gives her the flexibility and freedom, she needs to be the best mother to her six children. She talks about aging out of the ‘mommy’ cohort that is her customer base and describes her approach to parenting in a household full of teenagers. She generously shares the life lessons she’s learned from her hectic, but happy life.

About Julie Cole:

Julie Cole is a lawyer, mom of six and a co-founder and senior director of Mabel’s Labels.

She is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker, moderator, keynote and emcee. Julie is no stranger to the media, having appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, CNN, HLN’s Raising America, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, CP24, among many others. Her articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, The Globe and Mail, Profit Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, and others.

When Julie is not juggling her busy family and professional life, she’s an engaged community member serving on boards and volunteering. She is passionate about women’s issues, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and social justice.

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How Women Over 50 Can Build Resilient Careers

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Host Sherrilynne Starkie welcomes Dr. Helen Ofosu, PhD. to episode seven of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast to discuss why many women who are later in their careers are overlooked at work.

About Dr. Helen Ofosu, PhD:

Resources & Contact Information:

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Over 50 and still a rebel

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Sherrilynne Starkie, Michelle Vandenbosch) — Tue, 8 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Small business owner Michelle VandenBosch, a rebel in the florist industry, joins Sherrilynne Starkie in episode six of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast to discuss taking on life in your own terms as a woman in your fifth decade.

Michelle is the owner of Rebel Petal, a flower shop based in Manotick, just south of Ottawa, Canada’s national capital. But it’s not like most flower shops (the clue is in the name)! She and her team specialize in custom fresh flower arrangements for weddings, home and event décor, and as you’ll learn in this episode, funerals too.

“What they don’t tell you when you're about to take a proverbial leap into the unknown,” explains Michelle, “is that you’re not jumping off a cliff. You’re not freefalling to the ground. You’ll land on a ledge that is the support of your friends, family and the community. So go ahead. Take that leap!”

In this interview, Michelle explains why she has stopped setting goals for herself but plans to continue in her rebellious ways always changing things up and taking on life on her own terms.

About Michelle VandenBosch:

Michelle VandenBosch is a professional florist with more than 30 years experience. She had no desire to be a business owner or to open her own flower shop until seven years ago when she had a sudden epiphany! From the day she opened the doors of Rebel Petal, Michelle has redefined the concept of flower retailing and to this day she’s reinventing small business ownership.

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Breaking down old ‘Grandma’ stereotypes

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Kathy Buckworth, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 1 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Award winning author and media personality Kathy Buckworth joins Sherrilynne Starkie in episode five of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their fifth decade.

About Kathy Buckworth:

Kathy Buckworth is an award-winning writer, spokesperson, content creator and media personality. She is the author of six non-fiction books which have been translated into Chinese, Indonesian and other languages. She’s a two-time winner of the Professional Writers Association of Canada Award for Excellence in Humour and is the recipient of the Mississauga Arts Award for Established Literary Arts. She has recently completed her second novel and is also working on a new screenplay. Her show Go To Grandma airs weekly on Zoomer Radio and is available as a podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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Age is a mental state

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Basia Vanderveen, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Licensed realtor Basia Vanderveen joins Sherrilynne Starkie in episode four of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their fifth decade.

Basia is on a quest to keep her energy high and sees life as more of a mental state than a physical one. After a 25-year successful career in marketing and communications, she changed tracks to go into real estate. She’s having a blast in her new career and is finding it opens up tremendous opportunity for personal growth.

“There's so much personal growth that happens in real estate because it's relationship after relationship after relationship and each one is very different,” Basia explains. “But truly, you have to know yourself to be able to relate to others. Real estate gives me opportunities for personal growth every day, and I’m always learning.”

In this interview, she shares with us a little of her own journey through her fifties and talks about the importance of having a supportive community at any age.

About Basia Vanderveen:

Basia Vanderveen, MBA, is a licenced Realtor and broker with Royal LePage Performance Realty and is in the top 10% of Royal LePage Agents in Ottawa. (Full disclosure: Basia was my agent when we sold my Mom’s house last year. She was excellent. My family was very happy with the service provided). She lives in Ottawa with her husband Tim and their two teenagers.

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Over 50 and we’ve not yet peaked!

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Mary Daly, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Organizational Design Consultant and Executive Coach Mary Daly joins Sherrilynne Starkie in episode three of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their fifth decade.

When her daughter fell ill with a mysterious disease that took years to diagnose, Mary learned to navigate our complex healthcare system in order to advocate for her daughter and along the way she discovered the healing power of her own subconscious mind.

When it comes to her career, Mary confirms that she has not peaked yet despite having been consulting for decades! “In some ways, I’m only now just getting really good!” she explains.

In this interview, she shares the lessons she learned throughout her fifth decade that have helped her become the highly effective, if slightly cynical, successful consultant she is today. She provides some very practical tips and offers great advice for anyone who wants to be happy and successful in life (and in business).

About Mary Daly:

Based in Ottawa but her company Throughline Solutions serves clients right across Canada, Mary Daly is an expert in organizational strategy provides consulting, coaching and conducting leadership and strategy development workshops. She lives in Ottawa with her husband of 35 years and has two adult children.

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Lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding menopause

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Dyna Vink, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Certified health and nutrition coach Dyna Vink joins Sherrilynne Starkie in episode two of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their fifth decade.

In this interview, she shares her lemons to lemonade story and tells us why she’s dedicated to lifting the veil of secrecy that surrounds menopause.

About Dyna Vink:

Following a successful career in the tech sector, Dyna founded her company Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle to help women in perimenopause overcome their symptoms to feel well every day and lead happy, productive lives.

Resources & Contact Information:

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Being Over 50 Means Having No Time for Ridiculousness

sherrilynne@sherrilynnestarkie.com (Anna Epp, Sherrilynne Starkie) — Tue, 4 Oct 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Professional portrait photographer Anna Epp joins Sherrilynne Starkie in the first ever episode of the 50 Women Over 50 podcast, to discuss life in their fifth decade.

Anna provided inspiration for this podcast with her own project in which she set out to photograph 50 women over 50 before her own 50th birthday.

About Anna Epp:

Resources & Contact Information:

About Anna Epp
Anna Epp on Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn
Anna’s 50 Over 50 Project
Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation

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