Gen X Juggler Podcast

This show features Shelley McIntyre, a certified coach specializing in helping Gen X professionals leave corporate life and start creative ventures that align with their values.
 
Shelley discusses recognizing signs that it's time for a career change, the importance of reconnecting with one's values and essence, and practical steps for making a successful transition. She also shares stories of clients who have found fulfillment in new careers and offers advice for others contemplating a similar move.
 
00:00 Gen X Crossroads
01:00 Meet Shelly McIntyre
01:49 Stuck Between Roles
03:17 Build a New Foundation
03:45 Rediscover Values
05:15 Values in Action
09:04 Loyalty Myth Breaks
12:08 Start Before Burnout
12:53 Essence Exercise
15:54 Take Your Power Back
17:55 Call Your Network
19:41 Delegate What Drains You
20:29 Leap Story Begins
21:24 Joy Led Career Pivot
21:56 Ballroom Dance Handbook
23:10 Your Interests Matter
24:46 Signs Its Time To Pivot
28:00 Stop Negative Bonding
29:55 First Practical Steps
32:45 Build Your Support Network
35:56 Offgassing After Quitting
39:09 Where To Find Shelly
 
Links to Shelley McIntyre:
 
https://burnthemapcoaching.com/
 
https://www.instagram.com/burnthemapcoaching/
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcintyre?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
 
For speaking and event inquiries, please contact Deb at: Deb@GenXJuggler.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
 
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
 

 
This week on the Gen X Juggler podcast, Deb welcomes life coach Maxim Shapiro about men, midlife crisis, and authenticity in a culture redefining masculinity. Shapiro shares his personal journey from lifelong depression and playing small—shaped in part by being an only child of Soviet immigrants whose parents kept him sheltered—toward reclaiming risk, self-respect, and an “inner hero,” sparked by a coach who later became his romantic partner.
 
They discuss how Gen X wasn’t taught to trust intuition, how midlife crises can happen despite external success when accomplishments don’t match inner contentment, and the importance of living a genuine rather than performative life. The conversation also covers “toxic masculinity” versus masculinity, men and women as complementary rather than competing, shifting gender roles, and family choices.
00:00 Gen X Midlife Shift
01:05 Meet Coach Max
02:19 Depression And Playing Small
04:59 A Wake Up At Forty
07:33 Men And Women Complement
09:53 Roots Of Fear And Safety
13:11 Finding Intuition And Authenticity
18:10 Sponsor Thermostat Wars
19:02 What Midlife Crisis Really Is
21:38 Authentic vs Performative Life
24:08 From Self Discovery to Coaching
25:29 Reframing Toxic Masculinity
30:25 Men and Women Same Team
32:40 Bear vs Man Debate
35:14 Authenticity and Family Choices
39:47 Midlife Wake Up Call
40:33 Where to Find Maxim
41:29 Closing Thoughts
 
Links to Maxim Shapiro:
 
Forwardmotioncoach.ing
https://youtube.com/@maximshapiro?si=vXc4-upO3666bCJ9
https://www.facebook.com/share/182xKB5N1m/?mibextid=wwXIfr
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-shapiro-mba?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: Deb@GenXJuggler.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
 
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
 

This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb is joined by Aaron Kirsch, a Certified Financial Planner, and Laura Zettel-Watson, a psychology professor specializing in aging, to discuss their unique collaboration on The Rewarding Retirement Workbook. This workbook aims to provide a comprehensive guide to retirement planning that goes beyond financial preparation to include goals, purpose, relationships, and health.
 
The conversation highlights the importance of a holistic approach to retirement planning, addressing common pitfalls and offering actionable advice on how to create a fulfilling life in retirement. Whether it's advice on keeping healthy, maintaining relationships, or finding purpose, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make their retirement years truly rewarding.
 
00:00 Introduction to Today's Guests
00:57 Meet Aaron Kirsch and Laura Zettel Watson
01:41 The Genesis of the Rewarding Retirement Workbook
02:29 The Importance of Planning Beyond Finances
03:35 Collaborating for a Holistic Approach
04:50 The Role of Psychology in Retirement Planning
07:11 Behavioral Finance and Happiness
08:58 Defining Happiness and Its Impact on Retirement
20:02 The Importance of Relationships in Retirement
23:26 The Three Phases of Retirement
24:19 Health and Wellness in Retirement
33:00 Planning and Communication for Couples
40:13 Final Thoughts and Resources
 
Purchase The Rewarding Retirement Workbook on Amazon: https://a.co/d/768Mb2W
 
To learn more, go to:
https://rewardingretirementworkbook.com/
 
For speaking and event inquiries, please contact Deb at: genxjuggler@gmail.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
 

This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb is joined by Aaron Kirsch, a Certified Financial Planner, and Laura Zettel-Watson, a psychology professor specializing in aging, to discuss their unique collaboration on The Rewarding Retirement Workbook. This workbook aims to provide a comprehensive guide to retirement planning that goes beyond financial preparation to include goals, purpose, relationships, and health.
 
The conversation highlights the importance of a holistic approach to retirement planning, addressing common pitfalls and offering actionable advice on how to create a fulfilling life in retirement. Whether it's advice on keeping healthy, maintaining relationships, or finding purpose, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make their retirement years truly rewarding.
 
00:00 Introduction to Today's Guests
00:57 Meet Aaron Kirsch and Laura Zettel Watson
01:41 The Genesis of the Rewarding Retirement Workbook
02:29 The Importance of Planning Beyond Finances
03:35 Collaborating for a Holistic Approach
04:50 The Role of Psychology in Retirement Planning
07:11 Behavioral Finance and Happiness
08:58 Defining Happiness and Its Impact on Retirement
20:02 The Importance of Relationships in Retirement
23:26 The Three Phases of Retirement
24:19 Health and Wellness in Retirement
33:00 Planning and Communication for Couples
40:13 Final Thoughts and Resources
 
Purchase The Rewarding Retirement Workbook on Amazon: https://a.co/d/768Mb2W
 
To learn more, go to:
https://rewardingretirementworkbook.com/
 
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: genxjuggler@gmail.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb discusses digital safety, parenting, and technology management with author and broadcaster Sue Atkins.
 
They delve into the increasing complexity of parenting in the digital age, sharing practical tips and strategies to help parents protect their children's mental health and well-being online. They also highlight the importance of having open conversations, enforcing practical digital habits, and fostering critical thinking in children.
 
Sue Atkins shares insights from her experience and resources from her podcast, Navigating the Digital Jungle, to empower parents to guide their children safely through the digital landscape.
 
00:00 Parenting Meets Digital Threats
01:08 Meet Sue Atkins
01:59 Why Sue Started Helping
04:12 Gen X vs Online Risks
05:41 When Kids Get Phones
08:57 Safety Settings and Balance
10:31 Roblox and Online Predators
12:30 Trust and Open Communication
15:19 AI Dangers and Deepfakes
16:50 Critical Thinking and Kindness
21:33 AI and Human Values
23:25 Dinner Table Digital Chats
24:27 Family Meals Matter
25:24 Kids Learn By Example
25:45 Meaningful Screen Time
26:46 Breaking The Scroll Habit
27:53 Mental Health Link
29:52 Boredom Builds Creativity
32:06 Sleep And Overstimulation
32:39 Podcast And Resources
34:17 Filters And Comparison
37:11 Confident Parenting Boundaries
38:05 Delay Smartphones Strategy
39:44 Wrap Up And Thanks
  
Links to Sue Atkins:
 
https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com
 
https://www.facebook.com/share/1A9F8S4ZcC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
 
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: genxjuggler@gmail.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
 
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

On the Gen X Juggler podcast, host Deb interviews Lorie Eber, a metabolic health and midlife wellness educator, about aging well through daily lifestyle choices rather than genetics.
Lorie recounts her 23-year career as a corporate litigator, then spending 10 years in self-discovery that led to aging studies, volunteering as an elder-care ombudsman, and teaching health and wellness courses for 20 years.
They discuss midlife weight gain, perimenopause symptoms and lack of menopause education in medical training, the mixed guidance on hormone replacement therapy and newer non-hormonal hot-flash drugs, and how stress, sleep, cortisol, and emotional eating affect metabolism, plus considerations for GLP-1 use such as nutrition, protein, hydration, and strength training. 
Links to Lorie Eber:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1HMKTKS7Mp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://youtube.com/@lorieeber7203?si=FTI0zDvMEAFzEvmB
https://www.instagram.com/lorieeber?igsh=NHk4bDRhaDhwOWcw
https://www.tiktok.com/@lorieeber?_r=1&_t=ZP-97IXtma1t7P
**Contact Deb Foster for speaking engagements at Deb@GenXJuggler.com
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb welcomes author, speaker, and cultural critic Keri Mangis. The discussion focuses on breaking down societal norms and rethinking life transitions, with an emphasis on viewing menopause as a rite of passage rather than a crisis.
 
The conversation also explores the importance of emotional reflection, pausing in our busy lives, and embracing creativity as a vital part of our existence.
 
Keri sheds light on her TED Talk, her book 'Embodying Soul,' and her upcoming book, 'The Essential Ingredient,' encouraging listeners to see themselves as crucial components in the larger tapestry of life.
 
00:00 Breaking the Status Quo
 
00:45 Welcome and Guest Intro
 
01:20 TED Talk Menopause Reframed
 
04:09 Rites of Passage and Elderhood
 
07:50 Pause to Metabolize Pain
 
12:48 Vulnerability as Real Strength
 
18:14 Freedom from Fixing
 
22:45 Liminal Space Explained
 
25:34 Perfectionism and Self Grace
 
30:05 Creativity as Lifesaving
 
36:07 Books and Where to Find Keri
 
40:13 Closing Thanks and Wrap Up
 
Links to Keri Mangis:
 
www.KeriMangis.com
 
https://www.instagram.com/kerimangis?igsh=MW1keDN3N3N6N2w4cw==
 
Watch Keri’s TEDx Talk:
https://youtu.be/QP0GE56iUm0?si=d8-Vzmnlw63JKzBq
 
Amazon link to purchase Embodying Soul:
https://a.co/d/1GGGMIU
 
**Contact Deb Foster for speaking engagements at Deb@GenXJuggler.com
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
 
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb introduces Michelle Bader Ebersole, a woman who transformed her profound grief into a mission of helping others. Ebersole shares her personal story of losing her husband, Luke, to cancer while raising young children. She details the journey of caregiving, grieving, and ultimately finding a new purpose. Ebersole talks about founding her nonprofit Widow Goals and her Christian podcast, Widowed 2 Soon, both dedicated to supporting widows. She emphasizes the importance of community, the church's role in supporting widows, and offers practical advice on what to say and do when someone you care about is grieving. Tune in for an insightful conversation on finding hope and purpose after a profound loss.
00:00 Guest Intro And Teaser
00:57 Meet Michelle And Gen X Chat
02:36 Love Story With Luke
03:21 Cancer Diagnosis And Amputation
05:12 Family Life After Treatment
06:19 Cancer Returns And Kids Told
07:56 Last Wishes And Hospice Care
10:22 Final Hours And Goodbye
13:41 Early Widowhood And COVID Grief
17:28 Healing Tools And New Purpose
21:22 Widow Goals Nonprofit And Retreats
23:04 Book Widow Goals And Chosen Vision
25:08 Chosen Launch Tribute
25:24 Workbook to Leaders Guide
26:02 Widows Programs in Churches
27:04 Finding Love Again
30:57 Supporting Widows Mission
31:31 Remembering Key Dates
37:15 How to Help Grievers
44:05 Grief Waves Not Stages
46:04 Retreat and Ripple Effect
49:06 Where to Find Her
 
Links to Michelle Bader Ebersole
widowgoals.org
https://www.tiktok.com/@widowgoals?_r=1&_t=ZP-93qoZuRxvJ9
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals?igsh=OXd0b3d3eXE2enF4
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAsC2ZJoW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Checkout Michelle's Podcast, Widowed 2 Soon, on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms.
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: Deb@GenXJuggler.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
 
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
 

Host Deb welcomes Janice Goldmintz, an expert in gerontology, whose mission is to prepare families for the aging process of their parents. The discussion covers essential topics such as starting conversations about aging, the importance of being prepared, dealing with the emotional aspects of caregiving, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Janice Goldmintz also shares insights from her personal experiences and offers valuable resources through her website, talkaboutaging.com. Whether you're already a caregiver or looking to start preparing, this episode provides practical advice and support for navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving.
00:00 Why Aging Talks Matter
01:07 Meet Janice Goldmans
01:56 Normalize the Conversation
04:36 Janice’s Career Path
06:33 Caregiving Role Reversal
09:00 How to Start the Talk
09:24 Red Flags at Home
11:43 The Red File Essentials
14:48 When Crisis Hits Fast
18:18 Sharing Family Responsibilities
22:01 Caregiver Guilt and Resentment
24:11 Finding Support Systems
25:10 Who Will Care
25:56 Modeling for Kids
26:49 Plan Before Crisis
30:47 Stay or Go Decisions
32:48 Advocate in Care
37:38 Ageism and Dignity
40:35 Alzheimer’s Reality
42:12 Meet Them There
42:59 Caregiver Boundaries
43:59 Resources and Wrap Up
 
Links to Janice Goldmintz
http://www.talkaboutaging.com   
https://www.facebook.com/share/1C765roB8P/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/agingparentjourney?igsh=MWcwOGpncXB5eWRuMA==
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: Deb@GenXJuggler.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
 
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
 

This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, Deb interviews Australian hiker, writer, and educator Belinda Coker about her midlife transformation from a stressed, out of shape, home-centered life to pursuing adventure and rebuilding confidence through action.
 
Belinda describes how the pandemic prompted her to reassess her health, begin hiking with a meetup group, and learn that confidence grows by showing up, even when starting is hard.
 
She shares a harrowing incident which involves a hurricane-damaged-tent incident and a hypothermia scare while traversing the Canary Islands that shook her confidence but reinforced safety lessons and exit planning.
 
Belinda recounts memorable experiences hiking Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail and Australia’s red center, including powerful encounters tied to Indigenous culture. She explains house sitting as a frugal, healthier, community-immersive way to travel via her platforms Soul Treader and the House Sitting Collective, offering listeners a 20% discount with code GENX.
 
00:00 Midlife Missing Piece
00:48 Meet Belinda Coker
01:34 Hurricane Tent Detour
02:39 Life Before the Shift
05:38 Pandemic Mirror Moment
07:54 First Hike Wake Up Call
10:17 Confidence Comes From Action
13:19 Canary Islands Survival Scare
24:01 Learning Safety the Hard Way
27:03 Midlife Losing Yourself
28:06 Choosing Early Retirement
29:12 Adventure After Retirement
30:28 House Sitting Explained
34:49 Budget Travel Tips
37:43 Greenland Solo Trek
42:58 Red Center Spiritual Moment
48:31 Resources Discount Farewell
 
Links to Belinda Coker:
www.soultreader.com
www.housesittingcollective.com
 
**For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: Deb@GenXJuggler.com
 
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
 
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
 
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**