Episodes

  • Better Late Than Never: Embracing Life's Journey and Finding Success at Any Age

    Better Late Than Never: Embracing Life's Journey and Finding Success at Any Age
    Jun 28 2025
    Welcome, listeners. Today, we’re diving into a simple phrase with profound meaning: “Better late than never.” This idiom, used for centuries, captures the spirit of not giving up, even when the world says the moment has passed. The phrase traces its roots to ancient Rome, as a translation from the Latin “potiusque sero quam nunquam,” and was made famous in English by Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, where he writes, “for bet than never is late” in the late 1300s. At its heart, “better late than never” reminds us that starting, even after delays, is always better than not starting at all.

    So many of us wrestle with the idea of being too late—too late to change careers, too late to mend relationships, too late to chase a dream. But the stories around us say otherwise. Mary Mandell shared her reflections earlier this year on embracing life as a late bloomer. She described how, after years of chasing traditional markers of success and feeling behind, she found true happiness and deeper connections by forging her own path, even at 70. Mandell’s journey is a testament that fulfillment isn’t bound by age or timelines; pursuing growth, whenever it arrives, can invigorate your life.

    Society often pressures us to follow strict timelines—graduate, get a job, settle down, retire. Those who don’t fit the mold feel left behind. Yet perseverance can defy these scripts. Consider the countless artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders who found their stride later in life after failures or setbacks. Their stories teach us that missed opportunities can become new beginnings, and that our journeys often hold more value than the destination.

    For anyone listening who feels like their chance has passed, remember: “better late than never” is more than an excuse. It’s an invitation. Your dreams and goals are not invalidated by delay. Each step forward, no matter when it’s taken, has the power to reshape your future. So take that first step. The world is still waiting, and your best moments may be just ahead.
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    2 mins
  • Better Late Than Never: How Age Is No Barrier to Success and Achieving Your Dreams

    Better Late Than Never: How Age Is No Barrier to Success and Achieving Your Dreams
    Jun 21 2025
    Listeners, today we’re exploring the timeless phrase "better late than never," a saying that’s been encouraging second chances and perseverance for centuries. Its roots go back to ancient Rome; the Latin proverb potiusque sero quam nunquam appeared in Titus Livy’s “History of Rome” nearly 2,000 years ago. The phrase made its way into English literature thanks to Geoffrey Chaucer, who included a version in “The Canterbury Tales” in 1386. The sentiment? Doing something late is still far better than never doing it at all.

    Modern society often glorifies early achievement and meteoric rise, but success doesn’t always arrive on a schedule. In fact, recent stories abound of late bloomers who shattered expectations and found fulfillment much later than the world might expect. According to a March 2025 feature on late bloomers, Tina Fey didn’t get her big break as head writer for Saturday Night Live until thirty. Vera Wang crafted her first wedding dress at forty, after a career in figure skating and editing. Frank McCourt published his Pulitzer-winning memoir at sixty-six. These individuals prove that greatness isn’t reserved for the young; it’s available to anyone who keeps trying, regardless of age or setbacks.

    Why do so many feel the pressure to “make it” early? Social media, relentless comparison, and society’s obsession with youth can make it seem like time’s always running out. But as the Briar II News recently reminded readers in its 2025 June edition, “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be—so enjoy this day while it lasts.” That’s a powerful call to action for anyone feeling left behind.

    Listeners, your dreams do not have an expiration date. Whether you want to launch a business, write a novel, or simply start again after a setback, remember those who went before you—and know that it’s never too late to make a change. Better late than never isn’t just a phrase—it’s an invitation. Your moment might not be on anyone else’s timeline, but it’s yours to seize.
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    2 mins
  • Better Late Than Never: How Embracing Your Unique Timeline Can Lead to Unexpected Success and Fulfillment

    Better Late Than Never: How Embracing Your Unique Timeline Can Lead to Unexpected Success and Fulfillment
    Jun 18 2025
    Welcome, listeners. Today, let’s dive into the timeless phrase, “better late than never,” a saying rooted in centuries of wisdom and still deeply relevant in 2025. At its core, this phrase reminds us that achieving a goal or making a change, even after delays or setbacks, is always better than never trying at all. It’s a direct translation from the Latin proverb potiusque sero quam nunquam, dating as far back as Livy’s History of Rome, and was popularized in English by Geoffrey Chaucer in his Canterbury Tales as early as 1386. Chaucer’s message was clear: never is too long to wait for progress, but late is still progress.

    Every day, we hear stories of people who embody this spirit. Mary Mandell, writing in early 2025, shared her journey as a so-called ‘late bloomer.’ For her, taking a nontraditional path didn’t mean missing out, but instead meant discovering happiness and fulfillment at her own pace. She emphasizes that true success isn’t about titles or timelines but about growth, relationships, and finding one’s own purpose. She reflects on how societal expectations once made her doubt herself, but now, even at 70, she feels youthful and inspired, embracing every chance for a new beginning.

    Society often pressures us to achieve milestones by a certain age, whether it’s career advancement, personal accomplishments, or creative endeavors. This pressure can feel overwhelming and discouraging, especially for those who face setbacks or start their journey later. But examples like Mandell’s or countless others show us that the power of perseverance can outshine any arbitrary timeline.

    So, for anyone listening today who feels like they’ve missed their moment, remember: the only true failure is never attempting at all. Whether you’re starting a new career at 40, picking up a passion project at 60, or discovering your purpose at 70 or beyond, your journey is valuable. The chance to begin again, or begin at all, is always worth taking. Hold on to “better late than never”—a phrase that has inspired generations to keep going, no matter when they start.
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    2 mins
  • Late Bloomers Unite: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams

    Late Bloomers Unite: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams
    Jun 14 2025
    Welcome, listeners. Today, we’re diving deep into the theme behind the phrase “better late than never”—a saying that traces its roots back centuries, first appearing in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and even earlier as a Latin proverb, “potiusque sero quam nunquam.” At its core, this phrase reminds us that it’s better to do something late than to never do it at all, no matter how much time has passed. In a world obsessed with fast success and early achievement, this message is more relevant than ever.

    Think about the pressure we see online—stories of tech founders in their twenties or athletes peaking before 30. Yet, history and pop culture are filled with people who truly thrived only after setbacks or in later chapters of their lives. Tina Fey didn’t become Saturday Night Live’s first female head writer until she was 30, having spent years working odd jobs and shuffling through comedy clubs. Vera Wang designed her first wedding dress at 40, after careers in skating and editing. Frank McCourt published Angela’s Ashes, his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, at 66, proving that storytelling and success don’t come with a use-by date. Modern artist Takashi Murakami only gained international recognition in his late 30s, blending tradition and pop culture into a genre all his own. Their journeys show that the timeline for achievement is not set in stone.

    Society sometimes tells us that we’ve missed our window if we’re not successful by a certain age. That creates anxiety, regret, and often a sense of hopelessness. But the stories of late bloomers challenge that entirely. They show that perseverance, resilience, and a refusal to give up can lead to extraordinary accomplishments—no matter when we start or restart.

    So if you’re listening and feeling behind, let these stories inspire you. Whether it’s pursuing a new career, learning a skill, or following a passion, remember: your timeline is your own. The world’s greatest achievements are just as often the result of perseverance as of perfect timing. It’s never too late to start, to dream, or to try again. Better late than never.
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    2 mins
  • Embracing Second Chances: Why Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams and Rewrite Your Life Story

    Embracing Second Chances: Why Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams and Rewrite Your Life Story
    Jun 4 2025
    "Better Late Than Never": The Gift of Second Chances

    Welcome to today's episode where we explore the timeless wisdom behind the phrase "better late than never." This ancient saying, which originated from a Latin proverb and entered English literature through Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in 1386, reminds us that doing something late is always better than not doing it at all.

    Many of us feel the pressure to achieve success on society's timeline. We measure ourselves against arbitrary benchmarks and feel like failures when we don't meet them. But history and present times are filled with late bloomers who found their path on their own schedule.

    Consider Mary Mandell, who at 70 years old, still considers herself a late bloomer. In her recent reflections published earlier this year, she shared how embracing her late-blooming journey brought her true happiness. "Being a Late Bloomer is a gift," she writes. "It gave me more time to work on deep relationships, community connections, and personal growth."

    The beauty of being a late bloomer is that you approach life with fresh perspective. You've collected experiences, weathered failures, and gained wisdom that younger achievers might lack. When you finally find your path, you bring a unique richness to your endeavors.

    Remember, listeners, it's never too late to pursue education, change careers, start a business, or follow your passion. The journey might look different than you imagined, but that doesn't diminish its value.

    As we navigate through 2025, let's release ourselves from the tyranny of "too late" thinking. Whether you're recovering from setbacks or just beginning to discover your purpose, the door remains open. Your time hasn't passed. In fact, it might just be arriving.

    So if you've been putting off that dream, that apology, that new beginning – remember: better late than never. Your second chance awaits.
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    2 mins
  • Better Late Than Never: Embracing Second Chances and Finding Success at Any Age

    Better Late Than Never: Embracing Second Chances and Finding Success at Any Age
    May 31 2025
    Welcome, listeners. Today we’re exploring the enduring wisdom behind the phrase “better late than never,” a saying that reminds us that it’s always worthwhile to take action or pursue dreams, even if we feel we’ve missed the perfect moment. This phrase, with roots in Latin—potius sero quam numquam—and first found in English in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” cuts across centuries as a rallying cry for second chances.

    Second chances and the power of perseverance are threaded throughout history and personal stories. Consider the phenomenon of late bloomers. Mary Mandell, writing about embracing a late bloomer journey, shares how only later in life did she discover a deep sense of fulfillment—not through early career accolades, but through relationships, self-acceptance, and ongoing curiosity. Even at 70, she finds energy and purpose in continuously pursuing growth, proving that success can arrive at any age.

    There’s also a wave of recent news stories highlighting individuals who overcame setbacks to achieve their goals. For instance, in the arts and sciences, many have found recognition after years of obscurity or rejection. The Tokyo Olympics, just a few years back, featured athletes in their forties making their debut and winning medals, challenging the notion that opportunity only knocks once.

    Yet society often pressures us to achieve early and judge our progress by arbitrary timelines—graduate by this age, find a dream job by another, settle down by yet another. These milestones can make anyone feel like they’ve missed their chance if life doesn’t go as planned. But the stories we hear time and time again remind us that the journey is uniquely personal, and delay doesn’t mean defeat. Every attempt, however delayed, is a testament to resilience.

    So, listeners, if you’re feeling behind or doubting whether to start anew, consider the legacy of “better late than never.” Whether it’s picking up that passion project, reaching out to reconnect, or daring to change course, your action—whenever it comes—matters. Let’s celebrate perseverance, value second chances, and reject the myth that it’s ever too late to thrive.
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    2 mins
  • Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Age is Just a Number and Potential Has No Deadline

    Better Late Than Never: Inspiring Stories of Success Prove Age is Just a Number and Potential Has No Deadline
    May 28 2025
    The phrase "Better late than never" has resonated through centuries, originating as a Latin proverb "potiusque sero quam nunquam" first appearing in Titus Livy's "History of Rome." It entered English literature in 1386 through Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," where he wrote: "For better than never is late; never to succeed would be too long a period."

    This timeless wisdom reminds us that taking action, even after delay, surpasses never acting at all. It's a mantra for those who feel they've missed their window of opportunity.

    Consider Susan Boyle, who at 47 stunned the world with her powerful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" on Britain's Got Talent. Despite suffering a stroke in April 2023, she worked diligently on her recovery and returned triumphantly to the stage, proving that talent knows no age limits.

    Our society often glorifies youth and early achievement, creating pressure to succeed by certain milestones. Yet history is filled with late bloomers who changed the world after 40. Think of Henry Ford, who revolutionized the automobile industry with the Model T at age 45, or Colonel Sanders, who founded KFC well into his senior years.

    Even in politics, we see the value of timing and persistence. Emmanuel Macron became France's youngest president at 39 in 2017, and recently made a bold political gamble with snap elections, understanding that sometimes strategic patience can yield better results than rushing.

    The beauty of second chances lies in the accumulated wisdom they bring. Your past experiences aren't wasted time—they're preparation for your unique contribution.

    So listeners, if you're hesitating to pursue a dream because you feel it's too late, remember: the only true failure is never trying. The world needs your gifts, whether they bloom early or late. Your timeline is your own. Sometimes, the most magnificent flowers are those that take their time to blossom.
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    2 mins
  • Better Late Than Never: Why Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams and Achieve Success

    Better Late Than Never: Why Its Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams and Achieve Success
    May 24 2025
    Welcome, listeners. Today we’re delving into the phrase “better late than never”—a saying rooted in centuries of wisdom that still resonates, perhaps now more than ever. The phrase, a direct translation of the Latin proverb *potiusque sero quam nunquam*, was popularized in English by Geoffrey Chaucer in his “Canterbury Tales” back in 1386. When we say “better late than never,” we’re acknowledging that it’s preferable to act, learn, or succeed late than to never try at all, reminding ourselves that the journey is often more important than the timetable.

    This spirit is alive in the stories of late bloomers and comeback tales that inspire us to keep going. Consider Mary Mandell’s reflection, published earlier this year, on the beauty of blossoming after society’s presumed deadlines. She discovered that embracing her path as a late bloomer brought fulfillment—not despite missing traditional markers of success, but because of the lessons and connections she fostered along the way. At 70, she writes about still feeling youthful and energized, proving there isn’t one timeline for achievement.

    There are countless examples of individuals making their mark after setbacks or later in life. Think of Vera Wang, who designed her first wedding dress at 40. Or Colonel Harland Sanders, who franchised his first KFC in his sixties. Each of these stories reminds us that success isn’t linear, and societal pressures to hit milestones by a certain age often hold us back more than any real limitation.

    Right now, with the world changing rapidly—whether it’s technological shifts, economic upheavals, or global events—many are forced to pivot, retrain, or simply start over. It’s easy to feel like opportunities have passed us by. But as today’s phrase reminds us, taking a step forward, even if it’s overdue, is an act of courage and hope.

    If you’re listening and feeling like you’ve missed your chance, remember: the world is full of second acts, fresh starts, and unexpected victories. The calendar doesn’t define your dreams. Whatever your goal, it’s better late than never. So take that step, however small. Your story isn’t finished yet.
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    2 mins