“Make room for something new”: Surprise! Creator and host Nancy Davis Kho on why it’s time to “sunset” the show after almost five years, plus Eight Big Life Lessons from the Midlife Mixtape Podcast. Sign up for Nancy’s email list The Thank-You Project – makes a great holiday present or 2022 project! Drew Barrymore inducts The Go-Gos into the R&RHOF…

“Stretch the rubber band”: Stanford Center for Longevity’s researcher Ken Smith and co-author Karen Breslau, on conclusions from SCL’s new study that seeks to radically redefine how to live better, when we’re living longer. The New Map of Life from the Stanford Center on Longevity Midlife Mixtape Podcast Ep 52 with Author Mary Laura Philpott – preo…

“From accessory to center stage”: Mark Cushing, founder of the Animal Policy Group and author of “Pet Nation”, on the emotional, physical, and societal benefits of the human-animal bond at midlife and beyond. Pet Nation: The Inside Story of How Companion Animals Are Transforming Our Homes, Culture, and Economy Animal Policy Group From Sandy Hook to…

“A spirit of curiosity”: Megan Zesati and Holly Sprague, founders of the DryTogether alcohol-free living community for midlife moms, on the benefits of teaming up to cut back on booze, the media messages that boost our consumption, and living AF(AF.) DryTogether.org Harvard Health Article on Women, Alcohol, and COVID-19 Outlander #1 – your gateway …

“Who’s Slash?”: Listeners – and Nancy – share stories of their memorable Gen X Halloweens past, from decidedly non-sexy costume strategies, to 7th graders on the cusp, to home bat invasions. The Perfect Cocktails for Your Perimenopause Party by Wendi Aarons, Gloria Fallon, and Marilyn Naron Portrait of a Deputy Public Defender (or how I became a pu…

“Something besides yourself to love”: Austin music legend Bob Schneider on his latest album, “In a Roomful of Blood With a Sleeping Tiger”, non-autobiographical songs written with autobiographical emotion, and why he shouldn’t rule the world. BobSchneider.com Bob on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Collective Effervescence essay by Adam Grant – New Yor…

“Stop, Look, Go”: Kristi Nelson, author of “Wake Up Grateful,” on transforming her Stage IV cancer survival into a lifetime practice of more grateful living, midlife carpe diem, and an unusual way to embrace that middle-of-the-night restiveness. About Kristi Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted Nancy’s AAA Pla…

“My brain is waking up”: Taya Dunn Johnson on going back to school alongside her 7th grader this fall, and the personal passion that pulled her to a field of study she had never even heard of before the day she enrolled. Find Taya on: Website – www.TayaDunnJohnson.com Essay on Upworthy: Please Read This Before Your Post Another RIP On Social Media …

“Dating is a skill”: Jodi Klein, author and podcast host of “First Date Stories”, on the benefits and challenges of being a “seasoned” dater, her Ninja midlife dating tips, and Midlife Mixtape listeners’ own memorable First Date Stories. Find Jodi on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/1stdates/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/1st_DateStories/ P…

“Start the conversation”: Oceanographer Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson talks about the ScienceMoms.com initiative seeking to apply “Mom Power” in tackling climate change, how midlife made her a better scientist, and why she’s hopeful for the future. ScienceMoms.com website Dr. Benitez-Nelson’s research lab website Dr. Benitez-Nelson interviewed aboard …

“It’s about time”: Menopause entrepreneurs Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs talk about why it’s taken so long to address the needs of women in perimenopause and menopause, and how GenX can lead the way in demystifying the big M. Womaness web site Womaness on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn NYTimes Opinion piece by Dr. Jen Gunter on how …

“In the blink of an eye”: In this Very Special Episode that is also All In The Family, Midlife Mixtape Podcast creator and host Nancy Davis Kho answers listeners’ questions about podcasting, music, and midlife. Nancy’s website www.DavisKho.com We Sow We Grow – get your Dirty By Nature tshirt here, and listen to Ep 64 with We Sow We Grow founder/Urb…

“Tired of being a deputy”: Michelle Fishburne of Who We Are Now talks about turning a one-two-three punch of pandemic life changes into a 12,000 mile road trip, a book deal, and a newfound calling as an oral historian. Find Michelle on the web: Website:Who We Are Now Instagram: @WhoWeAreNowUSA Instagram behind the scenes: @MichelleFishburne Faceboo…

“Time to regroup”: Lisette Smith, certified financial planner, on thinking of our work lives in chapters, the best ways to plan for a Midlife Gap Year, and why early retirement may not be as desirable as the occasional long pause. Download the Midlife Gap Year guide here Advisory Group SF Pop Culture Preservation Society Podcast – Nancy riffing on …

“That’s my call”: San Francisco Ballet’s Christopher Dennis on the obvious career path that nonetheless had to be pointed out to him, the patience and grace that comes with experience, and the ballet’s pandemic pirouette to digital delivery. Stream the San Francisco Ballet’s 2021 season here Ok, George Lopez, being a trendsetter! Thanks as always t…

“It means different things all the time, but it always works”: Listeners share stories of the music of their lives, from Prince to Joni Mitchell to The Beastie Boys and everyone in between. Find the full archive of 30+ Still in Rotation guest posts here! This 2021 re-recording of “Biko” by my still-in-rotation performer Peter Gabriel is just jaw-dr…

“Shouldn’t take a miracle”: Tracey Milligan, whose foundation provides services for victims of domestic violence, on hard work, serendipity, and “angels” along the way, plus her recent pivot as groundbreaking founder in the financial tech field. Find Tracey’s work online: Website: TheMilliganFoundation.org Twitter: @milliganfound1 Company: Term Pay…

“Practice a certain acceptance”: Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH and founder of the Better Health While Aging website and podcast, on how adult children can ask better questions and accept suboptimal choices with grace when caring for aging relatives. Find Dr. Leslie online: Website: BetterHealthWhileAging.net Podcast: Better Health While Aging Book: …

“The opposite of play is perfection”: Jeff Harry, positive play coach, on using play to navigate hard conversations and relationships, the inspirational power of boredom, and why the pandemic is the perfect time to connect with your inner goofball. Find Jeff Harry on the web: Website: RediscoverYourPlay.com Instagram: @jeffharryplays Twitter: @jeff…

“Weird, quirky circumstances”: Author and “10 Things to Tell You” podcaster Laura Tremaine on her new book that encourages readers to share more stories to deepen relationships, foster understanding, and connect us more closely, even during a pandemic. Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First. 10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level LauraTre…

“A sense of endless possibility”: Different Together founder J. Christopher Collins on his new book, “Mending Our Union,” why face-to-face conversation by people with differing viewpoints can foster hope, and practical tips for tense talks. J Christopher Collins’ website Mending Our Union Different Together Glide Memorial Church Living Room Convers…

“I grieve and thank Time for all of these reasons”: In this special year-end episode, a compendium of listeners’ stories of the losses they’re grieving and something they’re grateful for in 2020, and a tribute to the most wonderful mom in the world. Midlife Mixtape End of Year Virtual Dance Party with DJ Damon – Dec 22 at 6 pm PT Wendi Aarons’ humo…

“Find an upbeat ending”: NYT bestselling author Bruce Feiler on the power of storytelling when we go through difficult times, the universal patterns of “lifequakes”, and how we can better manage change at any age. BruceFeiler.com Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age The Life Story Project Bruce’s Ted Talks In honor of Bruce’s fir…

“Figure out your ball”: In her work as “aspiring Fairy Godmother”, tech startup veteran Joanna Bloor talks about uncovering your unique magic, why “adventure timelines” are better than resumes, and channeling her inner Bette Midler. Joanna’s website Joanna Bloor Joanna working with Fatima to create magic – video Joanna’s live show every Friday talk…

“The responsible thing to do”: In this special episode, UCSF public health specialist Dr. George Rutherford MD answers Midlife Mixtape listeners’ questions about COVID, vaccine development, and how to stay safe in the months ahead. Fresh Garbage but ain’t no spinach Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the podcast…

“Our freedoms are tied together”: Angela Lang, Executive Director of Black Leaders Organizing for Community (BLOC), on why helping a community’s most marginalized citizens creates better outcomes for all, BLOC’s pandemic pivot, and Backstreet Boys. Alright? Learn more and support Black Leaders Organizing for Community at BlocByBloc.org Other grassr…

“This good, hard life”: Licensed counselor Mazi Robinson on the payoff from the pain that may come with midlife transitions, concrete steps for navigating COVID mental health challenges, and living through a crisis in parallel with her clients. Cultivate Atlanta – Mazi’s practice Cultivate on Instagram and Facebook Ep 37 “Life Reimagined” Author Jo…

“A bunch of big questions”: Reverend Andrew Hybl on enlisting in the military after 9/11, how doubts raised during active duty in Iraq gradually unfolded into Episcopal priesthood, and how Tupac nudged the whole process along. Are you registered to vote? Check here to be sure and to get involved in GOTV efforts near you! Write letters to Swing Stat…

“Inquisitive, interested, exploratory”: Margit Detweiler on the motivation behind multimedia “grown-ass lady storytelling” platform TueNight.com, lessons she’s learned about patience and perseverance, and THE must-play GenX slumber-party game. TueNight.com Still in Rotation: Young Americans – Margit’s essay on Midlife Mixtape This Is What the Ameri…

“You have everything you need”: In this special episode, Nancy rounds up advice from past guests in answer to the question, “What do you wish you could go back and tell your younger self?” Purpose-built for pandemic listening. Full list of past Midlife Mixtape episodes available here SiblingRevelryProject on Instagram Ep 50: Listener’s Advice to Yo…

photo: Dennis Hearne “A family of raconteurs”: Alia Volz on her new memoir “Home-Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco”, her parents’ pioneering cannabis business, industry evolution from dealing to healing, and maturing right along with our parents. Alia’s website Find Alia on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter That first concer…

“Better command of my voice”: Singer/songwriter Teddy Thompson discusses and shares songs from his new album Heartbreaker Please, provides a suggested cocktail pairing, and recalls a life-changing concert with his grandmother. Teddy’s website Find Teddy on Facebook and Instagram Support the work of the NAACP and Southern Poverty Law Center The musi…

“But anyway, I’m still alive to tell it”: Listeners share their favorite ‘70s and ‘80s childhood memories, from banana-seat bike rides to boardwalk employment to the educational television jingle that unites us all. Childcare, 1972-style – thanks for sharing it, Andrea! Throwback book recommendation from Brett – Sting-Ray Afternoons: A Memoir Spike…

“Not interested in telling stories from the top down”: SFChronicle reporter Otis Taylor Jr on the media’s ability to open readers’ eyes by sharing diverse stories, the importance of local journalism, and his Kenny Chesney tailgate adventure. Otis Taylor Jr in the San Francisco Chronicle Bay Area Black Voices: Why I Protest – photojournalism project…

“How much do we care?” SF Urban Film Fest founder Fay Darmawi on her cross-disciplinary approach to housing justice, the power of storytelling to change the Affordable Housing Industrial Complex, and her hip new hips. Fay Darmawi’s website SF Urban Film Fest The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard R…

“Hardcore reinvention”: Poi Dog Pondering founder and bandleader Frank Orrall talks about learning to trust his instincts in the music business, his musical and culinary side gigs, and the challenges facing artists due to COVID-19. Nancy’s spotlight wedding dance I dare you to stay in your chair Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provide…

“Stick with the things that really feed you”: NY Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure Jessica Lahey on pandemic lessons in resilience and self-efficacy, her zig zag career path, and backstage cartwheels at Billy Joel concerts. Jessica Lahey’s website #AmWriting podcast Behold the Venn diagram between yoga and hip hop – MC Yogi Thanks as …

“Just pretend you’re Beyoncé right now”: Pop culture history writer Jennifer Keishin Armstrong talks about her new book Pop Star Goddesses and how channeling both the power and flaws of our favorite female artists can help us navigate uncertain times. Pop Star Goddesses Jennifer K. Armstrong’s website Flaming Idols – altar candles featuring inspiri…

photo: Karen Walrond “Notice that people have been left out”: Kelly Wickham Hurst of Being Black at School talks about tackling systemic racism, the midlife freedom that comes from saying “I don’t know,” and Wham! in that minute when they were still Wham!UK. Being Black at School website @mochamomma on Twitter East Oakland Collective PrepareToLaunc…

Photo by Jan Kopřiva “I must have been insane. No, just a teenager”: Designed to distract you momentarily from your current worries, this listener-contributed episode shares youthful tales of awkwardness, getting in over our heads, and debauchery our kids and parents would NEVER believe. Badminton phenom Rochelle’s blog, The Late Arrival The Thank-…

“You can always make a change”: founding editor of Lucky Magazine Kim France on why we shouldn’t beat ourselves up for caring about appearance as we age, using invisibility as a superpower, and memories of SP4 on Texas summer days. Girls of a Certain Age blog – sign up to subscribe Everything is Fine Podcast Headcount.org – sign up to register vote…

“Not just you”: Ada Calhoun, author of “Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis”, unpacks reasons for GenX’s specific midlife challenges and offers ways to cope, from joining clubs to embracing the magic power of low expectations. Ada Calhoun’s website Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis Midlife Mixtape Ep 19 “Maxed Out” author Ka…

“It gets easier to find things to be grateful for”: The tables are turned as “A Word on Words” host and author Mary Laura Philpott interviews Midlife Mixtape Podcast host and author Nancy Davis Kho about her new book, The Thank-You Project. Buy Nancy’s book, The Thank-You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time Nancy’s upco…

“Everything that held our family together”: In this special Thanksgiving episode, Midlife Mixtape listeners share thanks for the people who made them who they are today, from grandparents to spouses to best friends to a singing teenage TV detective. Sibling Revelry Project My Celebrity Crush Story Rocked white satin pants, solved crimes. You got a …

“From fear to freedom”: Leading Alzheimer’s and long-term care design expert Lisa Cini on navigating senior living decision-making, leveraging our teens for difficult conversations with our parents, and GenX’s own encouraging elder care future. Lisa’s website BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that you can Preserve Your Indep…

“Life is a strange journey”: Author Sarah Ladipo Manyika on writing stories she wanted to read but couldn’t find, the beauty of intergenerational friendships, and a big awkward mea culpa from Nancy to Sarah’s most recent fictional heroine. Sarah’s website, with links to In Dependence and Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun Books&Rhymes Podcas…

“Life is fleeting”: Urban homesteader Natasha Nicholes on how her farm on the South Side of Chicago has created community, why loss has shaped the way she views opportunity, and that time Harry Connick surprised her with a spa day. Houseful of Nicholes – Natasha’s blog We Sow We Grow on Facebook Natasha on Instagram Midlife Mixtape Ep 27 Empathy Ex…

“I want to perform for 10,000 people”: Feminist Muslim Iranian-American comedian and podcaster Zahra Noorbakhsh on how aging has changed the way she approaches her comedy, the insidiousness of confirmation bias, and an endorsement for mental math. Zahra’s website GoodMuslimBadMuslim podcast 6 Things All Immigrant Kids Experience – video Zahra on fi…

“Not even at halftime”: Hospitality entrepreneur and Wisdom@Work author Chip Conley talks about the benefits of inter-generational mutual mentorship, his midlife wisdom school, and that time he brought Linda Ronstadt breakfast in bed. Chip’s latest book, Wisdom @ Work: The Making of a Modern Elder Modern Elder Academy Follow Chip on LinkedIn Get ou…

“Not the typical politician”: Businesswoman, mom, and first-time political candidate Randi Dorman talks about her vision and plans for Tucson, the power in pursuing your passion, and the best rainy-day camp activity ever. RandiForMayor.com Randi’s endorsement from Arizona Daily Star Nancy’s blog posts about Family Camp One of the shows at Irvine Au…