Life has a way of leading us down paths we never expected—sometimes through joy, but often through deep loss. An unexpected event can open doors to purpose, not only helping others but also shaping our own journey in ways we never imagined. This was the case for Michelle Swanson, who, after losing her husband to colorectal cancer, found herself committed to raising awareness and ensuring that no one has to face a diagnosis alone. Today, we’re diving into the lessons and discoveries that come through grief, exploring how we can gain perspective, find purpose, and better prepare for the unexpected moments that inevitably shape our lives. You can reach Michelle at mlswanson22@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#grief #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthadvocate #childgrief #complicatedgrief

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:59 - Michelle Swanson, Grief Journey
05:37 - Emotional Challenges of Grief
09:13 - Coping with Stepfather’s Death
12:56 - Ripple Effects of Loss
18:20 - Professional Grief Experience
22:10 - Frustration as a Teacher
23:42 - Financial Preparation for Loss
27:48 - Importance of Life Insurance
31:10 - Updating Your Trust
33:15 - Honoring Loved Ones
37:53 - Advice for Navigating Loss
42:14 - Supporting Someone in Grief
43:31 - Contacting Michelle
48:30 - Podcast Sponsorship

Quick recap

Michelle shared her personal experience of losing her husband to cancer and her commitment to raising awareness and ensuring no one faces a diagnosis alone. She discussed the challenges of dealing with grief and loss, the importance of self-care and support, and the need for emotional preparedness for life's uncertainties. Michelle emphasized the importance of building a new foundation and version of oneself after a significant loss, and encouraged people to reach out to her for support.

Next steps • Listeners to review their life insurance policies and ensure adequate coverage. • Couples to have open discussions about finances, wills, and end-of-life wishes. • Individuals going through grief to seek help and support from friends, family, or professionals. • Listeners to ensure both partners' names are on important bills and accounts. • Individuals to create living wills and discuss future plans with loved ones. • People supporting grieving friends to be patient and understanding if they withdraw temporarily. • Listeners to practice articulating their feelings and fears to trusted individuals.

By mid-career or halftime in life, there’s often more freedom to pursue personal passions, creativity, and legacy-building work. These roles align with deeper missions and artistic expression, offering fulfillment beyond financial necessity. Maslow’s pyramid of value, dating back to the 1940’s, outlines five levels of human motivation, starting with basic physiological needs and progressing toward self-actualization. A 2025 article expanded on these needs, applying them to career choices. As our skills and experiences grow, we naturally move higher on the pyramid, giving us more career options that align with our values and aspirations. Today, we define some of those tiers and apply them personally to our lives. Get the full article at: https://goalsforyourlife.com/pyramid-of-value

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#personalfulfillment #businessdevelopment #meaningfulrelationships #selfimprovement #midcareergrowth

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:48 - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
03:56 - Tier 1: Survival Needs
05:59 - Tier 2: Belonging and Relationships
08:27 - Tier 3: Lifelong Learning and Growth
11:17 - Tier 4: Making an Impact
14:05 - Tier 5: Achieving Fulfillment
14:55 - Assessing Your Values in the Pyramid
15:51 - The Power of After Book Insights
17:37 - Thank You for Joining Us

AI Summary Pyramid of Value in Career Choices Deborah discusses the concept of a "pyramid of value" based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, applying it to career choices and personal growth. She outlines five tiers: survival, belonging, lifelong learning, impact, and fulfillment. Deborah emphasizes the importance of moving beyond basic needs to pursue personal passions, creativity, and legacy-building work. She encourages listeners to evaluate where they stand in this pyramid and to define what fulfillment means to them personally.

Debt can feel like a never-ending trap, especially with rising inflation and maxed-out credit cards draining financial freedom. Many find themselves stuck in a cycle of high interest rates, minimum payments, and growing stress. But breaking free is possible. In this episode, we’ll explore practical strategies for crushing debt with cofounder and CEO of TruthinEquity Bill Westrom. He is the mind behind Credit Line Banking, a revolutionary financial strategy designed to help American consumers regain control over finances, and build true independence. Whether you're overwhelmed by credit card balances or looking for a fresh start, our episode today will give ideas for small, intentional steps that can lead to lasting financial freedom. Get the full article at: https://goalsforyourlife.com/crushing-debt Contact Bill at: Bill@truthinequity.com

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#debtconsolidation #financialfreedom #financialeducation #debtmanagementplan #financialliteracy

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:50 - Bill Westrom
05:06 - Credit Card Debt Solutions
11:17 - Saving Money on Interest Rates
15:10 - Establishing Good Financial Habits
18:45 - Finding Value in Financial Advice
21:00 - Understanding Money Sources
23:10 - Obtaining a Line of Credit
28:28 - Financial Advice for Americans
31:50 - Investment Strategies
36:04 - Contacting Bill Westrom
38:39 - Final Thoughts on Finances
41:20 - Thank You for Watching
43:18 - Sign Off

Quick recap:

Bill, the CEO of Truth in Equity, discussed strategies for managing debt and achieving financial freedom with Deborah, emphasizing the importance of education and smart banking practices. They explored topics such as credit line banking, the impact of debt on different age groups, and the significance of financial transparency with children. The conversation concluded with Bill offering personalized financial guidance and both speakers agreeing on the importance of making financial topics accessible to listeners.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into something we all wrestle with—imperfection. Here’s the truth: it’s perfectly okay to be imperfect—perfectly imperfect, in fact! There’s such freedom in that phrase. While we absolutely aim to show up prepared, polished, and doing our best, life has a way of tossing in surprises, missteps, and messy moments. And guess what? That’s not failure—it’s just real life. No matter how many planners you buy or how many inspirational quotes you tape to your mirror, something’s always just slightly off—and that’s okay. So today, let’s laugh a little, learn a lot, and celebrate the freedom that comes with embracing the messy middle. See full article: https://goalsforyourlife.com/perfectly-imperfect

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#leadershipauthenticity #midlifeawakening #joycemeyer #perfectionism #giftsofimperfection

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
04:15 - Why Imperfections Shine: Embracing Flaws
05:49 - Embracing the Imperfect Mole: Celebrating Uniqueness
08:37 - The Myth of Having It All Together: Challenging Perfectionism
11:17 - Performance is Overrated: Authenticity Over Achievement
13:43 - Embrace Your Scars: Strength in Vulnerability
14:15 - Perfection is Not a Prerequisite for Impact: Making a Difference
14:27 - Drop the Act and Breathe: Finding Inner Peace
14:50 - Living for Applause is Exhausting: The Cost of Validation
15:11 - Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Stay Connected
15:47 - Own Who You Are: Self-Acceptance Journey
16:05 - See You Next Time: Closing Thoughts
16:12 - Share and Follow Us: Join Our Community

Summary: Embracing Imperfection for Authentic Wholeness In the meeting, Deborah Johnson discussed the importance of embracing imperfection, particularly for those at mid-career or halftime of life. She highlighted how social media often presents a curated, perfect image, which can be misleading and unrealistic. Deborah emphasized that it's okay to be imperfect and that imperfections can tell a story, as seen in the unique characteristics of opals and salt and pepper diamonds. She also shared personal experiences and referenced famous individuals like Marilyn Monroe, who embraced their imperfections. Deborah encouraged listeners to let go of the illusion of having it all together and to focus on wholeness and authenticity, rather than constant performance. She concluded by urging listeners to embrace their unique beauty and to take their next chapter of life seriously.

Pursuing a career in the arts or music is a journey filled with passion, creativity, and, often, immense challenges. It can feel like you’re constantly pushing against a wall, struggling to be seen, heard, or valued in a crowded industry. The road to success is rarely a straight path—rejections, self-doubt, and setbacks can make even the most talented artists question whether to keep going. This happened to my friend Lonnie Park, now a Multi-Grammy® award winner. By leaning in to insurmountable challenges rather than retreating from them after being catapulted over the top of a quad vehicle, he took a huge step to mentally break through those setbacks. In this episode, we’ll explore how embracing obstacles, staying adaptable, and refining your craft with strategic goals and relationships can transform hopelessness into potential success. See full article at: https://goalsforyourlife.com/leaning-in

Contact Lonnie and listen to his music at: https://LonniePark.com

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:48 - Lonnie Park’s Journey
06:51 - Unique Goals in the Music Business
09:32 - Achieving Your Dream in Music
12:39 - Signs You've Made It in Music
17:03 - Mental Wellness in the Industry
23:10 - Making It in the Music Business
28:50 - Passion Over Retirement in Music
31:00 - Lonnie's Retirement Insights
33:54 - Where to Find Lonnie Park
38:30 - Outro

Quick AI recap: Deborah and Lonnie Park discussed pursuing a career in the arts and music, focusing on overcoming challenges, setting clear goals, and maintaining mental wellness. They emphasized the importance of pursuing one's passions for the right reasons, continuously improving one's craft, and being open to various opportunities in the industry. The conversation also touched on the value of gratitude, humility, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals in the field.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into one of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make—and spoiler alert, it’s not in the stock market. It’s in people, purpose, and the kind of possibilities that outlast trends and time. Whether you're building a legacy through your family, pouring into a cause you care about, or simply wanting to steward your time and energy more wisely, smart investing goes way beyond dollars and cents. It’s about placing value where it truly counts. So grab your coffee, tea, or just listening ears and let’s talk about how to make investments that compound in impact—not just interest. Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/smart-life-investments

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

Quick recap: The conversation focused on the importance of investing in people and preserving family legacies, particularly during mid-career stages. Strategies for responsibly passing on wealth and financial education to the next generation were discussed, including providing loans instead of gifts and setting up trusts. The conversation emphasized the value of open communication about financial plans and estate arrangements, as well as teaching financial skills and responsibility to family members.

#financiallegacyplanning #familylegacyplanning #spendthrifttrusts #wealthwisdom #healthcaredirective

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:05 - Deb’s 94-Year-Old Uncle
08:59 - Investing in Your Kids
17:00 - Magnify Your Influence
19:50 - Legal Document - Trust
23:50 - Joint Tenancy
27:35 - Struggling Through Challenges
29:16 - Final Thoughts and Reflections
34:35 - Investing in the Future
37:30 - Living Purposefully on Purpose
38:36 - Sign Up for the Goals for Your Life Newsletter
39:15 - Thank You for Joining Us

Have you ever wondered if a plant-based diet could truly transform your health, energy, and overall well-being? Maybe you’ve dabbled in different diets, fitness routines, or nutrition plans—only to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what really works. Is a vegan lifestyle the key to vitality, or is it just another trend? And how difficult is it to make the switch? Today, we’re diving into these questions with health and wellness, master personal trainer and coach Kate Galli, who will share insights on the power of plant-based living, the challenges and myths surrounding it, and how to make it a sustainable part of your lifestyle. Contact Kate at: https://strongbodygreenplanet.com

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#veganrecipes #healthysnacks #plantbasedwithjeremy #health #plantbasedweightloss

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:37 - Kate Galli, Vegan Health Coach
07:20 - Aligning Your Values with Goals
10:32 - Protein Sources on a Vegan Diet
20:16 - 8 Step Self Care Guide
20:40 - Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
21:50 - The Importance of Self Care
25:58 - Reasons to Go Vegan
31:40 - Tips for Plant-Based Diet Transition
34:21 - Mindset for Vegan Living
36:55 - Angry Vegan Perspective
39:42 - Advice and Connecting with Kate
42:17 - Wrapping Up and Thank You

Quick recap: Deborah and Kate discussed the benefits of a plant-based diet on health, energy, and overall well-being, with Kate sharing her journey from being a shy teenager to becoming a vegan health coach. They emphasized the importance of aligning personal values with goals, understanding one's 'why', and making sustainable lifestyle choices. The conversation also covered the importance of self-care, planning ahead for a more plant-based lifestyle, and the benefits of a plant-based diet for muscle mass and overall health.

There's been so much talk about work and life balance, especially in recent years. Work-life balance has become a huge buzzword with living purposely with boundaries. But what does that mean? Especially at mid-career or the halftime of our lives and careers? The idea of enjoying life while staying focused it can feel like walking on a tightrope with how busy our lives are. But it is possible and essential. To apply this, we can be more fun by laughing and taking ourselves less seriously to be less dry, mundane, and even boring. In our ‘busy lives’ we take time this week to share some good reminders for living, fulfilled lives, and maybe even having more fun. Full article at: https://Goalsforyourlife.com/enjoying-life

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#slowliving #selfimprovement #howtoavoidburnout #burnout #achievingworklifebalance

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:41 - Always in a Hurry
03:11 - Hustle Culture Myth
06:41 - Values-Centered Life
08:54 - Creating Boundaries
11:31 - Lack of Focus Warning
13:49 - Deep Work Insights
14:00 - Applying Today's Lessons
15:22 - Access the Article
16:24 - Thank You for Joining Us

Summary Maximizing Mid-Career Skills and Values: Deborah Johnson discusses strategies for enjoying life while maintaining focus, especially for those in mid-career. She emphasizes that the hustle culture is a myth and encourages creating a values-centered life. Deborah stresses the importance of setting boundaries, avoiding distractions, and aligning daily activities with core values. She shares personal anecdotes and examples from successful individuals to illustrate these principles, ultimately aiming to help listeners maximize their skills, experience, and resources at this stage of life.